Community sustainability practices are characterized by open and honest engagement with all stakeholders through effective, transparent consultation and communication as outlined in the Community Policy of the company.

We consult and communicate with stakeholders regularly in culturally appropriate and respectful ways, using materials that are easily understood, and provide feedback to issues raised in a similar way. We record, monitor and address community complaints through dialogue and open space engagement where everyone’s concerns are treated with importance and a sense of urgency.

We continue to work on establishing fair and equitable processes for engagement with indigenous and local communities including, where relevant, the employment of a “rights-based” development approach to securing free and prior informed consent. SMI’s Corporate Social Involvement (CSI) programs are developed according to Xstrata’s Sustainable Development policy and standards and form an important part of our work with local communities.

Through these programs we develop community partnerships in the areas of art and culture, education, enterprise development, environment, social and community development, and health. These community partnerships contribute to the development of sustainable communities and emphasize local capacity building. SMI also supports local businesses as part of the company’s value chain and employs local people whenever possible to strengthen local and regional economies.