They began the Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development Project (MMSD) to research the topic, including consulting more than 150 separate individuals and organizations on their perspectives.

[1] The resulting document was the Toronto Declaration, presented as a plan for improving mining and metals’ contribution to sustainable development.

Joining the International Council on Mining and Metals requires a member admission process, which is overseen by an independent third-party review panel.

Beginning in 2003, the International Council on Mining and Metals also developed a number of position statements of additional commitments that members must implement.

Under a policy known as ‘conform or explain’ in 2021, ICMM stated it will only adopt a common position when at least 75 percent of members are able to commit to implementation.