Each year a Toronto-based organization called Corporate Knights, "The Company for Clean Capitalism," ranks Canada's most socially responsible corporations, and this year several miners are included.
The list can be controversial despite Corporate Knights' efforts to make its rankings objective and data-driven. "We look only at publicly disclosed data points that can be compared across companies." The ranking assesses the strength of a company's disclosure practices, its resource efficiency compared to its peers, workplace safety, and efforts to diversify its workplace.
Few would argue with Teck Resources second place ranking. CMJ readers are aware of its approach to resource development and the exceptional people who execute its vision. Kudos to Teck management led by Don Lindsay.
The next mining company on the list is Barrick Gold in fourth place. Corporate Knights says that despite the problems at Pascua-Lama and allegations of human rights abuse in Papua New Guinea and Tanzania, by the organization's measure – information released by companies to the public – the ranking is justified.
If weight were given to allegations and public opinion, Barrick probably would not have been on the list. However, public disclosure and public perception seldom correspond.
The other mining companies on the list are Suncor Energy (No.6), Agrium (No.9), Yamana Gold (No.16), Kinross Gold (No.27), IamGold (No.28), Agnico Eagle Mines (No.39) and Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan (No.46).
Corporate Knights has helpfully list the top foreign corporate citizens, a list again with some familiar mining industry names. In alphabetical order, that list includes ArcelorMittal Canada, Shell Canada and Vale Canada.
Interested reader can find the entire listing at CorporateKnights.com.
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