With the acquisition of extensive bauxite and alumina activities in Brazil earlier this year, Hydro has become more involved in the upstream part of the aluminium business. Seeking membership in the ICMM is a reflection of this transformation.

"Hydro's mission is to create a more viable society by developing natural resources and products in innovative and efficient ways, which has underpinned our 105-year history,” says Hydro President and CEO Svein Richard Brandtzæg.

“Hydro's recent move into the bauxite mining business in Brazil provides us with new opportunities and challenges. I hope and believe that ICMM will be an excellent platform for sharing and learning about how to deal with these challenges, to ensure that our industry moves ahead in a responsible and sustainable way. I am looking forward to our participating in this important organization."

Brandtzæg was welcomed at ICMM’s Council of CEOs in Barcelona on Wednesday, along with Areva, the largest uranium mining producer in the world.

“We are delighted to have Areva and Hydro join ICMM,” said Richard Adkerson, CEO of Freeport-McMoRan and ICMM Chair. “It truly demonstrates not only the commitment of these companies to the principles of sustainability but also the growing recognition of ICMM’s role in helping companies address these challenges.”

The ICMM was founded in 2001, as a result of the Global Mining Initiative (GMI), a project designed to address sustainability issues related to the mining and metals industries. ICMM’s vision is “a viable mining, minerals and metals industry that is widely recognized as essential for modern living and a key contributor to sustainable development.”

ICMM has its main focus on raising the future standard of operations across the mining and metals industry, incorporating the emerging global issues like responsible sourcing, material stewardship, community development, wealth distribution, climate change and biodiversity.

Including Areva and Hydro, ICMM has 20 company members from the mining and metals industry. Of the major Western aluminium companies, Rio Tinto Alcan, BHP Billiton and Vale are current members. In addition there are 30 associated organizations, including IAI, EAA and EITI.

Hydro underwent a rigorous application and audit process to ensure that the company met ICMM’s standards.

ICMM requires from its members adherence to and reporting against 10 governing principles regarding commitment to sustainable development. Hydro’s governing principles on CSR (corporate social responsibility) and HSE (health, safety and environment) are in line with these requirements, the organization concluded.