For Anglo American, society is an inclusive concept. It embraces
our workforce, the communities in which they live, the citizens of
host countries and the implications of what we do for the wider
population for generations to come.
Residents from Chilota annex in Peru take part in a knitting workshopAnglo American recognises the special status of indigenous
peoples. They often have close cultural, religious and spiritual
attachment to land, including the nature of particular
landscapes.
Indigenous peoples also often have unique knowledge of the fauna
and flora of their host regions – information that can be
valuable during the responsible development of mineral
resources.
It is, therefore, Anglo American's policy to develop mutually
beneficial relationships with indigenous communities in the areas
where we explore and mine.
Our approach has won praise and encouraged us to extend our
involvement with indigenous groups. Using our
Socio-Economic
Assessment Toolbox (SEAT) we now have specific guidance
and protocols for our engagement with indigenous groups.
Some of our most extensive and rewarding engagements have been
with the Sami people of Finnmark in northern Norway. When we wanted
to explore the rich mineral potential of the area, we knew we would
have to engage with the Sami, who have established a close
relationship with their environment.
By working with the Sami to understand what impact our
operations might have had on their way of life, we were able to
minimise any disruption to their traditions and also gain an
exploration licence – the first ever granted to a major
mining company for the area.