We belong to industry associations around the world that represent specific sectors, commodities or issues.
Industry associations provide opportunities to understand, learn and contribute to industry best practice. Our participation provides an avenue to engage in and influence matters affecting our industry.
The size and scope of industry associations varies considerably, representing interests at international, national, provincial and local levels.
For us, this includes traditional mining industry associations, commodity associations, business groups, think tanks, bilateral councils, networking and research groups. It does not include professional organisations that individuals belong to.
We acknowledge the significant interest from investors and other stakeholders in these memberships. Our Approach to Industry Associations guides our decision to participate in industry associations and how we manage these memberships.
Why do we belong to industry associations?
Industry association memberships provide benefits to South32, including:
Principles for participating in industry associations
Our participation in industry associations is based on the following principles:
Joining and renewing an industry association
We have procedures in place to guide membership of industry associations. This includes:
Policy differences and exit criteria
Industry associations are by nature representative of similar member interests, but often from varied backgrounds and perspectives, so consensus on all issues is not possible. We support, and believe in, healthy debate and consideration of other viewpoints. We believe this leads to better understanding, cohesion and beneficial outcomes for members and industry.
As a member of an industry association, we retain the right to represent and advocate our own views. If a material policy difference or other misalignment exists within an industry association, we will take the following actions we consider appropriate:
Board positions
We consider the merits of seeking individual appointment or election to industry association boards or executive committees. These positions provide an additional avenue to derive membership benefits as highlighted.
Outside of director responsibilities applying to individual appointments, holding a board or executive committee position in an industry association does not imply a different South32 approach to that of being an ordinary member.
Memberships and Fees
We maintain a register of industry association memberships and associated fees paid. Our material industry association memberships and associated fees are listed at the end of this page.
Relationship to other South32 disclosures
We undertake a comparison of material policy positions of industry associations of which we are a member to our own position on specific topics (e.g. climate change), which can be found in our Sustainable Development Report 2020.
Review
We regularly review and update Our Approach to Industry Associations to reflect stakeholder feedback and industry developments.
A mining association advocating for the Arizona mining industry through promoting sound public policy at all levels of government, educating the public about the benefits of mining and supporting the sustainability of a safe and responsible mining industry.
A mining research program supporting annual research projects on all aspects of the production and utilisation of black coal including health, safety and the environment.
An association addressing aluminium industry related issues, combining interests of both producers and processors in liaising with government and community on industry matters.
An association representing Australia’s largest employers, advocating on behalf of the business community and their employees.
An independent association representing major corporations in South Africa on business related issues.
An independent peak industry body at the centre of business and climate action.
A peak resources sector representative body in Western Australia.
Western Australia, Australia
$100,000 - $500,000
A group of Australian black coal industry representatives investing in the demonstration of low-emissions coal technologies.
An association representing explorers, producers and providers of goods and services related to the mining sector in Colombia, dedicated to generating responsible and sustainable mining.
An organisation promoting a wider understanding of the aluminium industry, demonstrating both its responsibility in producing the metal and potential benefits in sustainable applications.
An international organisation of mining and metals companies and regional and commodity associations dedicated to a safe, fair and sustainable mining and metals industry and strengthening environmental and social performance.
A mining industry employers’ organisation supporting and promoting the South African mining industry.
An Australian mineral exploration collaboration bringing together industry, government and research organisations.
A peak industry body representing the New South Wales minerals industry.
New South Wales, Australia
$100,000 - $500,000
A global association of leading primary nickel producers.
A peak industry association representing the commercial developers of Queensland’s minerals and energy resources.
A network of business, academia and government representatives interested in sharing information, providing leadership and promoting better understanding of energy issues.
A global group of companies committed to align strategies and operations with universal principles on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, and take actions that advance societal goals.