Asia Society Policy Institute

Guidelines for companies engaged in mineral and energy resource exploration, extraction, processing, and cooperative investment projects, as well as construction projects for mining-related infrastructure, both inside and outside of China.

Offers specific guidance to enhance companies' strategies and capacities for corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development, as well as environmental and social assessment and management (ESAM). 

Mineral Companies should: 

• Abide by applicable Chinese and host country laws and regulations, as well as industry standards.
• Contribute to the social and economic development of host countries.

Mineral Companies should: 

• Establish and improve social responsibility information disclosure mechanisms and provide information on social responsibility performance to stakeholders in a timely manner.
• Engage likely affected people as early as possible and establish regular communication mechanisms.
• Maintain interaction with affected people, including Indigenous peoples and vulnerable groups, in a culturally appropriate and equitable manner. 
• Respect the rights and interests of clients, workers, suppliers, local communities, and governments. 
• Develop and implement compliance and integrity management systems, including independent audit systems, effective internal control systems, due diligence systems, risk assessments, staff-at-risk training, grievance mechanisms, and punitive measures.
• Obtain the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) of affected communities, including Indigenous peoples, before project implementation. 
  • Fully respect affected stakeholders’ right to FPIC if physical displacement is required. 
• Avoid involuntary resettlement.
• Respect and protect the culture and heritage of local communities, including Indigenous peoples. 
• Establish a grievance mechanism to better understand and respond to workers’ needs and expectations.
• Respect the human rights of workers.

Mineral Companies should: 

• Conduct thorough environmental impact assessments (EIAs).
  • Include plans to reduce pollution and waste emissions, conserve and recycle resources, conserve biodiversity, and minimize their environmental impact and ecological footprint in the life cycle of mining activities. 
• Conduct social impact assessments (SIAs), which should include a comprehensive plan on how to mitigate adverse impacts on human rights, labor, employment, gender, health, and conflict. 
• Develop routine environmental risk management systems.
  • Adapt environmental management systems to host country laws and regulations.
• Establish and improve monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. 
  • Regularly assess economic, social, and environmental impacts.
• Establish mechanisms to plan for and respond to emergencies.
  • Provide information about hazards associated with projects and appropriate mitigation measures to affected communities.