Anglo American signs strategic partnership with International Alert
21 January, 2011
Anglo American and International Alert are pleased to announce the launch of a strategic partnership to promote and implement conflict-sensitive business practice. Anglo American Chief Executive, Cynthia Carroll and International Alert Secretary General, Dan Smith, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that establishes a three year collaboration.
Anglo American is one of the world’s leading mining companies and has long recognised that the mining industry has the potential to significantly impact, both beneficially and negatively, upon local communities and more broadly in the countries where it operates.
Cynthia Carroll said, “We have a significant presence in many developing countries and strive to promote safe and sustainable mining and economic development wherever we operate. We take our responsibilities seriously – to prevent conflict and to protect and promote human rights – and have developed systematic processes to achieve this, including through our industry leading social management process SEAT. However, we always have more to learn and as we strive to continue to improve our performance, we are delighted to be able to draw on the expertise of such an experienced NGO as International Alert”.
International Alert is one of the world’s leading
peacekeeping NGOs and seeks to build sustainable peace in countries
and communities affected by violent conflict. It has worked
extensively with governments, international institutions and the
private sector to support its objectives. Dan Smith said:
“Our work across Africa and South America has shown us how
difficult it can be to undertake mining activity without a negative
impact on local communities. We are very encouraged by Anglo
American’s commitment to learning more by working with us so
as to avoid conflict and to contribute to peaceful and sustainable
development.”