The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has broadened the accessibility of its GRI 14: Mining Sector 2024 standard by releasing it in seven new languages. Initially available in English, the sustainability standard is now available in Simplified Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish. GRI has also announced plans to release versions in Italian, Arabic, and Traditional Chinese soon.
GRI 14, introduced in February 2024 and effective from January 1, 2026, stands as the first global standard aimed at enhancing transparency and responsibility in the mining industry. It provides a comprehensive framework for entities involved in mining and quarrying to report on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts.
GRI 14, applicable to any organisation involved in mining and quarrying, offers a unified set of metrics to report on their environmental and social impacts. The Mining Standard illuminates the dual nature of the industry—providing essential minerals and metals vital for society, yet posing significant risks to the environment, communities, and workers. It establishes clear expectations for site-level transparency to help stakeholders evaluate local impacts based on location and specific minerals. The standard encompasses a wide array of critical themes including emissions, waste management, human rights, land and resource rights, climate change, biodiversity, anti-corruption, and community engagement.
Additionally, it introduces three specific topics not previously covered by GRI standards but crucial for mining operations: tailings management, artisanal and small-scale mining, and operations in conflict zones. This expansion into multiple languages aims to enhance the global mining industry’s commitment to sustainable practices.