Home About Operating ethically Industry associations Industry associations play a number of roles in civil society. They provide a platform for the sharing of global best practice in the interests of the industry and those with whom the industry works. They develop technical standards and public policy positions. They provide a forum for debate between members of a particular sector in developing those policy positions. They do not, however, and nor should they, represent the views of any single member. Some associations in which BHP participates are sector specific, such as the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA), which engages in advocacy activities related to the resources sector while also providing a forum to advance industry standards. Some are issue specific, such as the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES), a US-based organisation that focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting clean energy. We also participate in global associations that seek to advance industry environmental, social and workplace standards, such as the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM). Industry associations perform a number of functions that can lead to better outcomes on policy, practice and standards for the sector. By bringing together the combined technical expertise and experience of members in areas such as safety, health and environment, the ICMM, for example, adopts a leadership position on sustainable development in the resources sector. Similarly, the MCA makes an important contribution to Australian industry practice in areas including health and safety, water accounting, land use and workforce diversity. We have long held the view that active participation in industry associations provides a leadership opportunity. We believe that by working within associations, we can, with other like-minded members, seek to exert a positive influence on the industry as a whole. This does not mean, however, that we will always agree with every position or approach that every industry association to which we belong adopts on every issue. This is particularly the case where the association’s membership is large and the mandate is broad, covering a wide range of issues. The role of each member of an association is to articulate its view in a clear and constructive way, and to seek to influence the association through free and open debate. This is certainly how we see BHP’s role within the industry associations to which we belong - both in Australia and globally. It is not the role of any association to represent BHP and there are times when our views are not aligned. We keep under review our alignment with, and membership of, industry associations. We also communicate our own views directly, through submissions, media commentary, speeches, reports and other engagements. Finding effective solutions to complex challenges requires a transparent exchange of diverse views. At BHP, we believe that transparency is pivotal to making more informed decisions. We remain committed to sharing our views. Our approach to industry associations Changes to our approach BHP's material industry association memberships Alignment on climate and energy policy Update on Queensland Resources Council Shareholder engagement update 2020 Shareholder engagement update 2021 © BHP 2021 About What we do Investors Sustainability Careers News Suppliers Contact us Keep in touch Follow BHP to stay up to date https://www.facebook.com/BHP https://www.linkedin.com/company/bhp/ https://www.twitter.com/BHP https://www.youtube.com/BHP Privacy Policy Modern Slavery Act Statement Terms of use Some cookies are strictly necessary for the operation of our website. We also use cookies to monitor your use of our website, compile aggregate data and provide you with a good experience when you browse our website. You can choose to accept or reject cookies, or manage your specific cookie options. For more detailed information on what cookies are and how they work, please read our Cookies Policy. Manage cookies Decline All Accept Cookie Preferences