Discover how an integrated ISO management system can help mining companies drive operational excellence, protect business, and demonstrate commitment to integrity amidst increased scrutiny from stakeholders.
The Australian mining industry is a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, contributing significantly to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employment and export revenues.
Mining contributed a record AUD 455 billion in export revenue for Australia in the 2022-23 financial year, highlighting the importance of the industry to the nation’s economy, government revenues and regional jobs. However, mining operations face increasing scrutiny from regulators, stakeholders and communities.
Compliance with internationally recognized ISO standards gives mining companies the tools they need to foster long-term success providing a framework to demonstrate a commitment to quality, occupational health and safety, environmental sustainability and data protection.
While there are many ISO standards relevant to the mining industry, implementing an integrated management system with the following ISO standards sets the foundation and operational framework for mining companies to operate responsibly:
- ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems
- ISO 14001 – Environmental Management Systems
- ISO 45001 – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
- ISO 14064 – Family Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- ISO 26000 – Social Responsibility
- ISO 27001 – Information Security Management Systems
What are the benefits?
- Access new markets: gain a competitive edge by demonstrating a high level of commitment to quality, environmental responsibility, and data security, which can attract new clients
- Improve stakeholder relations: build trust with customers, employees, investors, communities, and regulatory bodies
- Enhance operational efficiency: identify areas for improvement and implement systemic changes to optimize processes and reduce costs
- Minimize legal risks: comply with relevant Australian and international regulations, reducing potential legal liabilities
Why are these recommended global standards relevant to the mining sector?
- ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems: with complex supply chains and stringent regulatory requirements, mining companies must ensure consistent product quality and operational excellence. ISO 9001 provides a framework for maintaining high-quality standards to help ensure consistent quality of mined products and services
- ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems: mining activities can significantly impact ecosystems. ISO 14001 provides a structured approach to managing environmental responsibilities, helping companies identify, mitigate, and monitor their environmental footprint and foster stakeholders’ trust
- ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems: the mining industry is one of the most hazardous work environments. By implementing ISO 45001, mining companies can systematically identify hazards, reduce workplace incidents, comply with legal requirements, and foster a safety-conscious culture
- ISO 14064-1 GHG Emissions Verification: in a world increasingly focused on combating climate change, quantifying and reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals at the organizational level has never been more crucial. The ISO 14064-1 verification audit offers specification for reporting of GHG emissions and removals
- ISO 26000 Social Responsibility: mining has a high impact on those communities that surround it. ISO 26000 provides a framework for managing corporate social responsibility and ethical business practices, enabling mining companies to demonstrate their commitment to responsible operations
- ISO/IEC 27001 Information Security Management Systems: with the growing reliance on digital technologies in mining operations, cyber threats pose a substantial risk to sensitive data, including geological surveys, financial records, and operational controls. ISO 27001 addresses these concerns by establishing robust information security management to minimize disruption to operations and ensure compliance with data protection regulations
An integrated strategy for long term success
Integrating ISO standards 9001, 14001, 45001, 14064, 26000 and 27001 will enable Australian mining companies to strengthen their competitive edge and drive operational excellence and by unifying an integrated management system, including quality assurance, safety, cybersecurity and environmental practices under one framework, they will demonstrate their commitment to risk management and operational integrity.
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Steven Guyatt
National Business Development Manager
t: +61457008717
About SGS
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