The members of the CIMG share a mutual responsibility in China to ensure that our actions meet the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to satisfy their own needs. This simple statement defines the concept of sustainable development, a concept that is embraced by the international mining industry and reflected by our members operations in China and abroad.
As the global experience demonstrates, the mining industry produces energy, metals and minerals that are essential to economic prosperity and a better quality of life. The fundamental benefits of mining industry products to modern economic and social development and to environmental improvement are well known.
Equally important are the economic benefits that mining provides to the communities where it is located. These benefits are derived from employment, wages, economic activity due to purchases of goods and services, and from the payment of taxes, royalties and fees to local, state and national governments.
As important as these benefits are, the mining industry recognizes that the activity of developing a natural resource, like the creation of any product, may impose costs and impacts on communities and on the environment. It is necessary accept the very important responsibility of taking these factors into account and taking prudent steps to balance benefits with any adverse impacts that our business may have. It is also important to recognize the responsibility to participate and contribute, along with others who are involved in the mining process, e.g., communities and governments, in a decision making process that allows development to proceed in a way that balances social, economic and environmental considerations.
In this collection of case studies, the CIMG demonstrates that mining is sustainable, benefits many and provides much towards economic prosperity and a better quality of life. The CIMG pledges to promote the understanding of sustainable mining in China in a manner that recognizes the needs of society and the needs for economic prosperity, national security and a healthy environment. Accordingly, the CIMG promotes the move towards integrating social, environmental, and economic principles in mining operations from exploration through development, operation, reclamation, closure and post closure activities, and in operations associated with preparing products for further use.
Long term business benefits through sustainable development
Today's successful businesses know that environmental management and environmental functions are integral parts of an organization's everyday operations and its strategic plan. These companies are successful because they understand the environmental implications of their business functions, such that environmental issues are considered essential components of business processes, rather than consequences of those processes. Sustainable mining is about planning and carrying out your organisations mission today - with full consideration of the external factors that could affect the achievement of long term goals. In today's competition for limited funds, resources, and workers, the advantage goes to organizations demonstrating commitment to long-term value.
Sustainable mining does not imply another layer of bureaucracy in your organization. Initially, you might need an expert or advocate, but eventually it will become an integral part of your organization and culture. Today as many industries "get up to speed" additional design efforts may be required; but like many code requirements that are now taken for granted, sustainable development and design will become the way business is done every day. Understanding the basic principles of sustainable development will allow you to transform your operations in a logical and productive way.
Sustainable mining means integrating the decision making process across your organization, so that every decision is made with an eye to the greatest long-term benefits. It means eliminating the concept of waste — thinking "cradle-to-cradle" rather than "cradle-to-grave" and building on natural processes and energy flows and cycles. In essence recognizing the interrelationship of our actions with the natural world.
Are you creating more productive work practices that respond to today's needs without imposing additional costs upon future users? Are you considering the impact on the environment and on future generations? When sustainable mining informs every business decision you make, chances are you are making the right decisions - those that benefit you, your company, the environment, the community and your bottom line.
| 
