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Corporate Pressure Points and Corporate Engagement Western Mining Action Network September/October 2005 Coeur D’Alene, Idaho Simon Billenness Senior Policy Advisor, Corporate Engagement Oxfam America
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Oxfam’s Mission: Creating Lasting Solutions to Poverty and Injustice
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Who we are 12 agencies 100+ countries Wide range of programs in partnership. How different Seek to transform understanding of poverty and solutions through rights-based approach.
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CORPORATION SHAREHOLDERS CONSUMERS MEDIA EMPLOYEES/ UNIONS LOCAL COMMUNITIES LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONGRESS FEDERAL GOVERNMENT COMPETITORS COURTS
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Oxfam Extractives Campaign Promote Responsible Gold Mining –Corporate Direct engagement with Newmont Mining, Placer Dome, Glamis Gold –Consumer No Dirty Gold/Consumer Pledge –Media Make case for responsible gold mining –Communities Direct support to community groups in US, Latin America, Africa
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There are only so many backyards left in the world for us to dig up. We sure as hell have to figure out how to get permission to access those backyards and to secure the trust of the public to hold onto them and do our business. - BHP Billiton Executive
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Community: Growth’s Gatekeeper Growth requires access to new reserves Local communities are principal gatekeepers For future growth, mining companies need exemplary community relations
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Who Wants to be a Miner? Mining workforce is ageing Recruitment Barriers: Dirty Reputation, Long Postings Abroad For future recruitment, mining companies need better reputation and practice
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Who are your shareholder allies? –Religious Investors Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility –Social Investment Firms Boston Common, Christian Brothers, Calvert, Trillium, Ethical Funds –Public Pension Funds New York City, California
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What do shareholders add? Access to Board and Top Management Access to AGM and Shareholder Ballot Media Opportunities Negotiation Experience Resolution as bargaining chip
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Consumers include… –Individual Consumers No Dirty Gold campaign: jewelry = 80% gold use –Brands Tiffany’s –Corporations Ford - Johnson Controls & Doe Run –Institutions Universities State & local government
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We at Tiffany and Co. understand that mining must remain an important industry. But like some other businesses benefiting from trade in precious metals, we also believe that reforms are urgently needed. Minerals should – and can – be extracted, processed, and used in ways that are environmentally and socially responsible. Washington Post 3/24/2004
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Media includes… –Corporate home town media Newmont: Denver Post, Rocky Mountain News –Business & Trade Press Mineweb –Specialist Media Corporate Social Responsibility: CSR Wire, Ethical Corporation Science Alternative & Progressive
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Integrating Inside & Outside Pressure –Continual communication & coordination Good cop and bad cop always talk! –Define “asks” Community dialogue and external standards Develop inclusive and comprehensive coalition “asks” Distinguish between “high ask” and “bottom line ask” –Align inside and outside asks Minimize difference between public and private position –Maintain both outside pressure and inside communication
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For more information, visit: www. oxfamamerica.org www.nodirtygold.org www. oxfamamerica.org www.nodirtygold.org
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