We continue to maintain a strong commitment to expanding our community affairs activities. We expect our activities to grow as we implement our formal community dialogue and engagement plans at each operation and learn more about the needs and priorities of our communities, and consider those needs and priorities as we establish community development strategies.

Our operations provide socio-economic benefits to the communities where we operate, including employment, skills development, infrastructure improvements and financial contributions to local economies. Making a positive, long-term difference in the lives of people affected by our operations is a key goal for Inmet.

Our community affairs performance is evolving well. This year, we implemented a formal community assessment process at all our operations. Our team in Turkey is moving toward a sustainable community development program that will reduce reliance on the Çayeli mine so the transition will be easier for the community when the mine closes. Much of our progress is the result of leadership by senior management at our operations, who recognize the importance of being good neighbours. Our most concentrated community affairs work is taking place at Cobre Panama.

Key Community Highlights for 2009

• looked for new and better ways to deepen our relationships with communities, and identify and understand their needs
• continued to build our social licence in Panamá through deep, broad-based community relations, and continued investment in community development programs
• used the SEAT process to help us talk to our communities, learn about their priorities, and develop meaningful, relevant development strategies
• continued our commitment to the United Nations Global Compact and began assessing our alignment with the ten principles (see pages 3 and 19)
• sought advice and input from external stakeholders at home in Canada and at our majority-owned properties around the world
• invested in training to develop our employees’ skills, advance their careers and keep them safe (18 hours per employee on average in 2009)

Download the PDF of our community activities in 2009.