The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) has produced a four page, Water Stewardship Framework, an outline of its members approach to using a shared resource that is an essential part of all mining and metals operations.
The framework is built around four key elements:
1. be transparent and accountable
2. engage proactively and inclusively
3. adopt a catchment-based approach
4. effective water resource management.
The elements are high level and very flexible but reflect recognition of the need to dialogue on scarce water resources to ensure equitable distribution. The content will be very useful to those who are in the process of writing water policies or guidelines for engagement on water allocation. The document can be freely downloaded.