Human Rights
Overview
Respecting human rights is fundamental to how MMG operates. We treat people with dignity, build trusting relationships, and create opportunities for communities to thrive. Our commitment extends to employees, contractors, suppliers, and the communities where we work. By embedding human rights into business practices, we help foster sustainable development and shared value.
Why human rights matter
Mining can bring significant benefits, from greater access to employment, to improved infrastructure and economic growth, but it can also create risks if not managed responsibly. Issues like land access, security, labour rights, and cultural heritage need careful attention. For MMG, protecting human rights isn’t just a legal obligation, it’s the right thing to do. It helps us maintain strong relationships, reduce risks, and deliver positive outcomes for people and the environment.
Human rights are about people; our employees, partners and the communities we work with. By embedding respect for human rights into everything we do, we create stronger relationships, reduce risks, and contribute to sustainable development. Through clear standards, practical action, and open dialogue, MMG make a positive difference to communities.
Our approach
MMG follow internationally recognised standards, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the UN Global Compact, and the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR). These frameworks guide how the Company identifies risks, engages with stakeholders, and responds when issues arise. MMG aligns with the ICMM Mining Principles, which set clear expectations for ethical and responsible mining.
Human rights considerations are built into company policies, codes of conduct, and training programs. They shape how we work with suppliers, manage security, and design community engagement.
Putting principles into practice
Human rights aren’t just words on paper, they form the basis of decisions every day. MMG sites conduct risk assessments to identify potential impacts, from labour conditions to land access. These assessments inform company plans and help prevent problems before they occur. MMG provides training for employees and contractors so they understand their responsibilities and know how to act if concerns arise.
The Supplier Code of Conduct sets clear expectations for partners, covering issues like fair wages, safe working conditions, and the prohibition of child labour and modern slavery. Compliance is monitored, and we work with suppliers to improve practices where needed.
Listening and responding
When concerns arise, we want people to feel safe speaking up. We provide accessible grievance mechanisms, including site-level channels and a confidential Whistleblower Service. These allow employees, contractors, and community members to raise issues without fear of retaliation. When we identify that we’ve caused or contributed to harm, we take responsibility and work to provide remedy.
Security and human rights
Security is essential for safe operations, but it must be managed responsibly. As a member of the Voluntary Principles Initiative, MMG integrate human rights into security plans. All security providers must follow strict codes of conduct, and risk management training is provided to manage risks in ways that respect people and prevent conflict. MMG recognise that many security issues stem from unresolved community concerns, so we focus on dialogue and problem-solving before tensions escalate.
Labour rights and fair work
MMG respects the rights of all workers in the areas of health and safety, non-discrimination, freedom of association, collective bargaining, fair wages, and reasonable working hours. The Company rejects all forms of forced labour and child labour. Supply chain teams conduct regular risk assessments and require suppliers to meet company standards. By promoting fair work, MMG helps create safe, inclusive workplaces where people can thrive.
Health, safety, and wellbeing
Human rights go hand in hand with health and safety. SSHE Performance Standard sets clear requirements for protecting people and communities. This includes robust security protocols, emergency preparedness, and measures to prevent environmental impacts that could affect health, including issues like water contamination or dust exposure. MMG support wellbeing through programs that promote mental health, diversity, and inclusion.
Respecting culture and land
Mining often takes place on land with deep cultural significance. MMG work closely with Indigenous peoples and local communities to respect cultural heritage and traditional practices. Social Performance Standards require assessments of land access, resettlement, and cultural heritage before any work begins. Where artisanal mining occurs, MMG engage with local miners to reduce risks and support safer practices.
Linking environment and human rights
Environmental impacts can affect human rights, especially access to clean water, healthy ecosystems, and safe living conditions. MMG integrate environmental stewardship into our human rights approach. We manage risks related to tailings, biodiversity, and pollution, and our climate strategy supports the global transition to a low-carbon economy, which will, in turn, help protect communities and host countries from climate-related impacts.
Responsible minerals
MMG are committed to producing and sourcing minerals responsibly. This means upholding human rights, ethical business practices, and environmental protection throughout supply chains. MMG follow international guidelines for conflict-affected and high-risk areas, addressing issues like human rights abuses and financial crimes. Our approach includes due diligence, stakeholder engagement, and transparent reporting.
