Mining Association of Canada Releases Sixth Annual Towards Sustainable Mining
Report

OTTAWA, Sept. 22 /CNW/ - The Mining Association of Canada (MAC) is pleased to announce the release of its sixth Annual Towards Sustainable Mining Progress Report.  The 2009 Report outlines the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) achievements and goals of participating companies.

"The TSM Progress Report highlights the Canadian mining industry's commitment to sustainability," says Julie Gelfand, VP Sustainable Development, adding "from concept to implementation, TSM strives for tangible results and transparency on Corporate Social Responsibility."

Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) is an initiative developed by the Mining Association of Canada to improve the industry's performance by aligning its actions with the priorities and values of Canadians. TSM provides a way of finding common ground with communities of interest in order to build a better mining industry, today and in the future.

Participation in TSM is a condition of membership in Mining Association of Canada, it requires members to subscribe to a set of guiding principles that are backed by specific performance indicators against which member companies must report annually.  These results are externally verified every three years.

Highlights from the 2009 Report include:

• Addition of Health & Safety Protocol
• Addition of Biodiversity Conservation Management Protocol
• Third party verification is now regularly scheduled
• Crisis Management plans are now in place for over 70% of companies and facilities
• Almost ¾ of MAC facilities report achievements in engagement with communities of interest

As sustainable development initiatives continue to evolve, MAC's award winning TSM program has already earned a leading position within the CSR arena, and forges ahead in its efforts to maximize mining's contributions to society while minimizing environmental impacts. The focus for 2010 is to work on new indicators related to mine closure and water.

Based in Ottawa, the Mining Association of Canada is the national organization for the Canadian mining industry. Its members are engaged in mineral exploration, mining, smelting, refining and semi-fabrication.

For further information:

Julie Gelfand, VP Sustainable Development
Email: [email protected]      Phone: [phone] x 319