The need to consider the impact of business operations and
relationships on human rights is a growing feature of the corporate
landscape, says Louisa Soper. Operational, social, economic,
geographical and political factors inherent to the mining industry
mean players at all levels of the metals and minerals supply chain
should pay close attention to their human rights
footprint.
In early September the UK government published its national
action plan for implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business
and Human Rights, sending a clear message to businesses that they
must understand and manage their human rights impacts both
domestically and abroad. The UN Guiding Principles are highly
relevant to the mining industry and this article explains how
understanding the impact of the Guiding Principles and taking on
their recommendations is vital to companies' future
success.
