Mining companies take action on reconciliation with First Nations

• Reconciliation with First Nations is an important movement in several sectors and industries involved with governments and Indigenous communities.
• Teck Resources and Newmont Corp. are each up around 30 per cent year to date
• Newmont created The Global Center for Indigenous Community Relations to advance dialogue on engaging Indigenous Peoples
• Agnico has created a reconciliation action plan. with the engagement of more than 250 Indigenous and non-Indigenous contributors

Around the world, reconciliation with First Nations is an important movement in several sectors and industries involved with governments and Indigenous communities.

The mining industry is heavily intertwined with Indigenous communities. Here is a look at three mining companies with Indigenous relation policies developed to recognize and respect the rights of indigenous peoples.

Along with several organizations, the International Council on mining and metals, (ICMM) states that its vision is to “foster constructive relationships between mining and metals companies and Indigenous Peoples, based on mutual respect, meaningful engagement, trust and mutual benefit.

Other organizations involved with the recognition and collaboration of Indigenous Peoples rights:

• The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP),
• The International Labour Organization Convention No. 169 (ILO No. 169)
• The International Finance Corporation Performance Standard 7

Teck Resources

“Teck is a Canadian resource company focused on responsibly providing the metals essential for global development and the energy transition while caring for the people, communities and land that we love.”

Teck references ICMM’s position statement and states it is the foundation of the company’s approach.

Teck has also created an Indigenous Peoples Policy, which they state was developed with input and guidance from Indigenous Peoples in its local communities and “reaffirms our commitment to respect the rights, cultures, interests and aspirations of Indigenous Peoples.”

Teck Resources (TSX:TECH. B) shares are up almost 30 percent year to date and last trading at C$70.96.

Agnico Eagle

Agnico Eagle is a Canadian based senior gold mining company and the third largest gold producer in the world, producing precious metals from operations in Canada, Australia, Finland, and Mexico.

Agnico has created a reconciliation action plan (RAP) with the engagement of more than 250 Indigenous and non-Indigenous contributors.

“At Agnico Eagle, our ongoing journey toward reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is driven by a deep-rooted belief in social, economic and environmental responsibility toward the communities in which we operate.

The RAP has seven pillars which include, leadership and governance, education, employment, community, economic engagement, environment and wellness, health and safety.

Agnico also has The Eagle Blog, and its most recent publication highlights Indigenous artist Caley Leroux.

Agnico-Eagle (TSX: AEM) is up over 50 percent on the year and is last trading at C$110.63.

Newmont Gold

Newmont Gold has created The Global Center for Indigenous Community Relations to advance dialogue on engaging Indigenous Peoples wherever and whenever there is an intersection between mining and Indigenous communities. Tom Palmer, Newmont’s president and CEO, also emphasizes the company’s goals to act as a catalyst in the mining industry.

“With the center, we seek to form meaningful partnerships and create a dialogue in order to improve the outcomes for Indigenous communities around our mines, and act as a catalyst within the mining industry.”

The centre has three areas of focus: partnerships and learning network; respect for customs and culture; and opportunities for Indigenous Peoples.

“Too often, Indigenous Peoples have experienced negative impacts of mining without being able to partake in the shared value. Newmont seeks to engage Indigenous Peoples where we operate in order to limit the impact on the community and facilitate their ability to partake in the shared value of the mine.”

Newmont Corporation (TSX:NGT) is up more than 30 percent on the year and is last trading at C$72.89.

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