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Cultural Heritage Management

MMG is committed to respecting the rights, culture and practices of our host communities, Indigenous peoples and other rightsholders. This extends to protecting both the tangible and intangible cultural heritage on the leaseholds our mines occupy and the surrounding lands. Our approach is embedded in our Sustainability Framework and guided by our Human Rights Policy, Social Performance Standard and Safety, Security, Health and Environment (SSHE) Performance Standard.  

We acknowledge the historical and ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities in accessing their lands and fulfilling their roles as custodians of their lands.  MMG supports these communities in maintaining connection to land and proactively engages them in mapping cultural heritage and traditional land uses to ensure their preservation for future generations. 

In 2024: 

  • Site-specific cultural heritage management plans were updated across all our operations 
  • Conducted inclusive community engagement and land management activities with Indigenous groups and local stakeholders. Chance-find protocols were activated at Las Bambas and Kinsevere 
  • Over 150 cultural assets were documented in collaboration with local communities and heritage experts 
  • Cultural heritage protection was integrated into Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) 

Our Collaborative Approach 

We work collaboratively with communities to ensure culturally appropriate management of heritage sites and artefacts and integrate traditional knowledge into land use planning, rehabilitation and biodiversity conservation efforts. 

Understanding Cultural Heritage at MMG  

Cultural heritage at MMG sites includes both tangible and intangible elements of aesthetic, historical, scientific, or social significance. We honour the rich cultural traditions, practices, and spiritual connections that define the regions in which we operate. 

Intangible heritage may include: 

  • Traditional knowledge 
  • Cultural expressions 
  • Artisanal and craft skills 
  • Oral histories and stories 
  • Poetry and languages 
  • Social habits, rituals, and festivals 

Tangible heritage may include: 

  • Immovable heritage: historical buildings, monuments, archaeological sites 
  • Movable heritage: paintings, sculptures, furniture 

Cultural Heritage Management Plans 

Our Cultural Heritage Management Plans are aligned with GRI 411 and ICMM guidance. These plans include: 

  • Protocols for chance finds 
  • Community consultation processes 
  • Cultural awareness training for employees and contractors 
  • Integration with biodiversity and land access protocols 

MMG does not explore or mine within UNESCO World Heritage Listed properties. Where operations occur adjacent to protected areas, we ensure compatibility with Outstanding Universal Values and comply with all relevant national and international regulations. 

Monitoring, Assurance and Disclosure 

We maintain a robust system for monitoring and reporting on cultural heritage, land use, and biodiversity. This includes: 

  • Periodic reviews by internal specialists and third-party experts 
  • External assurance of social performance data, including cultural heritage documentation 
  • Disclosure of performance in our ESG Databook, aligned with:
    • GRI 304 (Biodiversity)
    • GRI 411 (Rights of Indigenous Peoples)
    • ICMM Socio-Economic Reporting Framework
    • IFRS S1 (Sustainability-related Financial Disclosures) 

We welcome and encourage feedback from Indigenous peoples, host communities, and other rightsholders. Their insights are vital to enhancing our processes, promoting transparency, and ensuring the long-term stewardship of cultural heritage. 

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