Four major mining companies have committed to sustainable development in South Australia by becoming signatories to the South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy’s (SACOME) Code of Conduct.

BHP is the latest signatory and joins SIMEC Mining, Rex Minerals and OZ Minerals to demonstrate their commitment to best practice, sector leadership and continuous improvement.

SACOME’s voluntary Code of Conduct is adopted from the Minerals Council of Australia’s Enduring Value Framework and offers a structure for mining, oil and gas companies to manage performance and sustainable development.

SACOME CEO Rebecca Knol said BHP has a long history in South Australia of prioritising health, safety and environmental responsibility, supporting the communities in which it operates and contributing to a sustainable future.

“As the resources sector responds to the impacts of COVID-19, these qualities, leadership and high standards have never been more important.”

BHP Asset President Olympic Dam, Laura Tyler, said BHP’s company policies were consistent with the Code’s Enduring Value framework.

“Sustainability is core to BHP’s strategy and at the heart of everything we do,” she said. “We put health and safety first, we are environmentally responsible, we respect human rights, and we support host communities.”

The Enduring Value Framework is supported by 10 principles covering ethical governance, sound risk management, transparent engagement, health and safety, employee rights, community development and environmental management. Each principle is translated into defined actions with a set of clear indicators and verifiable outcomes.

Companies wanting to learn more about the Code of Conduct and how to become a signatory can email sacome@sacome.org.au or visit the SACOME website.