Mining with principles for biodiversity conservation | The mitigation hierarchy

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Mining is an important driver of economic growth and wellbeing, but it can also have a detrimental impact on biodiversity. Mining projects must manage biodiversity in a manner that is respectful of the habitats in which they operate while continuing to produce essential minerals and metals and provide economic opportunities.

ICMM members commit to addressing risks and impacts to biodiversity and ecosystems in their activities by applying the mitigation hierarchy with the ambition of no net loss. This means avoiding negative impacts wherever possible and mitigating them wherever they are not. For example, by restoring habitats after the land has been mined or compensating for unavoidable impacts on important biodiversity.

Biodiversity is extremely complex. Our knowledge about biodiversity, and the best way to measure and manage it, is constantly evolving. While there are technical challenges in measuring biodiversity impacts and gains, applying the mitigation hierarchy remains the primary means for companies to contribute to global efforts to halt biodiversity loss.
What does applying the mitigation hierarchy mean in practice?

The mitigation hierarchy informs actions throughout the life of a mine. Its four stages influence decisions on land use, land management, and the conservation of areas outside of the mine site.


1. Avoidance means ensuring particular species and natural processes are not impacted, especially those that cannot easily recover if disturbed. This is often done by not using areas of land where an important habitat is found or avoiding disturbing such areas at critical times such as the breeding season for migratory birds.


2. Minimisation can include reducing noise and dust pollution or building wildlife underpasses on roads, enabling species to continue their behaviours despite the presence of a mine or mine infrastructure.


3. Restoration is where an area has been mined and then soil and vegetation replaced to allow biodiversity and ecosystems to regenerate. Collectively, avoidance, minimisation, and restoration should reduce the residual impacts that a project has on biodiversity as much as possible.


4. Offsetting addresses any remaining impacts by seeking conservation gains of the same value, often in other areas, to achieve no net loss of biodiversity overall.



Learn more on our website: www.icmm.com