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ASI members and stakeholders get 'hands-on' at third AGM in Western Australia
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Mandurah, Western Australia: Following on a year of significant milestones -- including the launch of the Performance and Chain of Custody Standards, as well as the issuing of first certifications -- the ASI 2018 Annual General Meeting (AGM) engaged participants in discussions on diverse facets of the ASI Standards and got 'hands on' with many aspects of the implementation phase of ASI's work program.
The AGM week kicked-off on Monday May 21 with training, where both auditors and ASI Members received an in-depth look at the Performance and Chain of Custody Standards, including specifics such as harmonisation with existing standards, conformance evaluation, interviewing, elementAl, and much more.
On Tuesday, following the formal AGM proceedings and a Standards Committee Panel and Directors Panel, over 70 representatives from aluminium producers, users, civil society, associations, government and other stakeholders gathered together in plenary for compelling keynotes and sessions that delved into some of the key implementation themes for the ASI certification program.
First, the tone for the human rights and Indigenous Peoples sessions to follow was set by a moving "Welcome to Country" presentation by George Walley from Mandjoogoordap Dreaming. It was an honest and profound address drawn from the history and experience of the Noongar Aboriginal people that left a lasting impression on all the participants. Mandjoogoordap is a Noongar Aboriginal word that translates to “meeting place of the heart" and is the original name of the City of Mandurah.
Three keynote speakers highlighted issues of significant relevance to ASI Standard implementation. Alan Clark (Director, CM Group) set the context for future impacts of ASI with a look at the supply side of the global aluminium industry; Chris Bayliss (Deputy Secretary General, International Aluminium Institute) gave a dynamic demonstration of the future potential flows of ASI Aluminium through the aluminium value chain using data-based mass flow infographics; and Professor Cynthia Mitchell (Deputy Director, Institute for Sustainable Futures) set the participants' focus on collaboration and provided food for thought on future and systems thinking, drawing from the experience of water stewardship programs in Australia.
Later, three panels -- 1) biodiversity and mine site rehabilitation, closure and relinquishment; 2) Indigenous Peoples and the aluminium industry; and 3) human rights and business -- brought experts from the field to the fore. Panel 1 shared information on the company and regulatory processes for mine rehabilitation and closure, with a particular focus on Western Australia. Professor Thomas Lovejoy, UN Foundation, Daniel Endacott, WA Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, Bronwyn Bell, Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA, and Andrew Grigg, Alcoa provided valuable perspectives on their experiences and these issues in practice.
Panel 2 gave the floor to Indigenous Peoples' first-hand accounts of mining industry practices in their lands, and some of the ongoing challenges they face: Djawa Yunupingu from the Gumatj clan in Australia's Northern Territory talked about the first Aboriginal-owned mining company, Gulkula Mining Ltd; Father Nicholas Barla, Indigenous Peoples Advisory Forum (IPAF) representative, spoke of his work to support the recognition of the rights of the tribal people in India; Louis Biswane from the Organisation of Kalin’a and Lokono Peoples in Marowijne (KLIM) in Suriname, described the situation in his tribal lands of bauxite mine rehabilitation practices and ongoing efforts to improve these; Marie-Josée Artist, IPAF and VIDS representative from Suriname provided insights into the IPAF program, its workplan and challenges ahead.
Finally, Panel 3 panellists offered on-the-ground experiences and advice on social and human rights assessment best practices, capturing recent regulatory developments, and practical ways that companies can act on their responsibilities to respect human rights. Mark Wielga, NomoGaia, Neill Wilkins, Institute for Human Rights and Business, Shaeron Yapp, Walk Free Foundation and Robyn King, South32, shared insights into their work and respective areas of focus, including impact assessments, responsible recruitment, combating modern slavery and human rights due diligence processes.
Wednesday's site visits to Alcoa's Huntly bauxite mine and Pinjarra alumina refinery gave the participants a close-up view into parts of the aluminium value chain that many had not yet seen. The Huntly bauxite mine is the world's second largest and produces an annual output of 25 million tonnes. The highlight of the day was learning about and seeing the industry best practice mine site rehabilitation and reforestation processes, which has been based on significant forest research and experimentation, as well as on consultation with the local indigenous community. Progressive rehabilitation over decades is building a self-sustaining jarrah forest ecosystem post-mining.
In the evening, the gala dinner welcomed everyone with a participatory Australian song led by George Walley and provided a venue for three VIP speakers: Michael Parker (Chairman and Managing Director of Alcoa of Australia and President of Alcoa Alumina), the Hon. William Johnston (MLA Western Australia, Minister for Mines and Petroleum; Commerce and Industrial Relations; Electoral Affairs; Asian Engagement), and Miles Prosser (Executive Director of the Australian Aluminium Council).
Thursday was an opportunity to get participants talking: about human rights in general, about their experiences in the field and emerging questions, and about various perspectives regarding ongoing areas of work in biodiversity, ecosystem services and protected areas. Rio Tinto's Roland Dubois and Catherine Munger were on hand to give insights into their specific preparations and experience of going through the certification process, to help other members understand the broader journey toward certification.
The relaxed atmosphere in Mandurah at the third ASI AGM enabled members and participants to openly and honestly share their diverse perspectives, experiences and lessons learned. Participants were encouraged to continue to work together on best practice, support uptake through increased ASI membership and certifications, and generally encourage more responsible aluminium production, sourcing and stewardship along the entire value chain.
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The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative is grateful for the support of Alcoa, Tetra Pak and the Australian Aluminium Council for their support and sponsorship of this year's AGM Week.
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About ASI
ASI’s members include companies with activities in bauxite mining, alumina refining, aluminium smelting, semi-fabrication, product and component manufacturing, as well as consumer and commercial goods, including the automotive industry, construction and packaging. Members also include leading civil society organisations, industry associations and other supporters.
ASI continues to seek engagement with commercial entities and stakeholders in the aluminium value chain from across the world. Organisations interested in membership are encouraged to learn more about our membership structure and how to join.
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For further information contact:
Dr Fiona Solomon, ASI Chief Executive Officer
fiona@aluminium-stewardship.org
Tel +61 439 049 000
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