At SMC we are committed to work with all Aboriginal People inclusively and with respect.
SMC accepts that:
- Aboriginal People have strong cultural connections to the land and sea
- Our mining operations have the potential to impact on traditional Aboriginal People, country and culture
- Our relationship with Aboriginal People is critical to enable assets to be developed and enhanced for future generations
- Trust is the key to a strong relationship and comes from the alignment of promises and actions
SMC will support local Aboriginal Peoples’ interests through adherence to our Core Principles in the following ways:
Enable People
- Involvement though appropriate and timely consultation in SMC matters which have the potential to impact them significantly
- Facilitate employment and contracting opportunities to support economic independence
- Support education & training to build capacity and work-readiness
- Ensure Aboriginal culture and history is understood and valued through the provision of cross-cultural training to our employees and contractors
Seek Excellence
- Ensure best practice systems are in place to prevent unplanned disturbance of Aboriginal heritage sites
- Work together to build capacity within local indigenous communities through our Resourcing the Region investment program
- Monitor, measure and continually improve performance of these principles
Act with Integrity
- Negotiate win-win outcomes in matters relating to significant local cultural sites and practices
- Deliver on commitments made to Aboriginal groups and communities
- Act with transparency & fairness in our interactions with Aboriginal people and groups
Be Socially Responsible
- Advocate increased understanding and appreciation of local Aboriginal culture
- Respectfully participate in and celebrate Aboriginal Australian events
- Encourage our stakeholders to make decisions that benefit and advance Aboriginal people
Download a PDF of the SMC Aboriginal Respect Policy here.