Sustainability is fundamental to Xstrata Nickel’s long-term success and is inseparable from our business strategy and activities.

Our operations produce metals that are essential for social and economic prosperity. However, we must manage the impacts and opportunities that mining presents in a responsible way if we are to continue to create value.

We approach sustainability as a management system that transforms our business and enables us to excel at three core elements: engagement, performance and transparency.

Engagement is a means of connecting with the views and opinions of the communities in which we operate. It helps us identify important issues and risks, determine our priorities and shape our responses in the interest of our shareholders and wider society. We engage with our stakeholders through meetings, presentations and workshops, audits and surveys, partnership agreements, industry associations, involvement in community initiatives, and other such methods.

Performance refers to the strategies, business plans, operational management and day-to-day activities that we undertake to minimize the negative impacts of our business and maximize the opportunities. It includes the work we do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy use, and maintain safe and healthy workplaces. It also covers how we run our business to succeed in a competitive environment and how we build capacity in local communities.

Transparency is the foundation for all of our sustainability activities. It includes GlencoreXstrata sustainable development requirements, external verification and international standards. It also refers to how we report to our shareholders, customers, employees, communities and other stakeholders on our performance.

These three elements cut across every aspect of Xstrata Nickel’s business and are integral to GlencoreXstrata's Values, Code of Conduct and GlencoreXstrata Corporate Practice.