GRI Standard 14 for the Mining Sector Now Available in Multiple Languages

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) continues to enhance the accessibility of its standards across the globe, and is pleased to announce the expanded availability of the GRI 14: Mining Sector 2024 standard. In addition to the English version, the standard is now available in seven languages: Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, French, German, Indonesian, and Portuguese. Upcoming translations will include Italian, Traditional Chinese, and Arabic.

These new translations ensure broader access to the standard for mining companies worldwide, helping to promote the adoption of best practices in sustainability and reporting within the mining sector.

Expected Impact and Implementation

The GRI 14 standard will come into effect on 1 January 2026 and will be the fourth addition to the GRI sector standards base. Its adoption will provide companies with a comprehensive and consistent methodology for disclosing information, ensuring greater trust from investors, regulators, and other stakeholders.

Companies will be able to use a unified set of metrics for reporting, making information more accessible and comparable. This, in turn, will enhance decision-making for investors, who will be able to rely on reliable and meaningful data about the activities of mining companies.

Key Features of GRI 14

GRI 14 recognises the dual nature of the mining industry, which not only provides essential minerals for society but also has significant environmental and social consequences. Including environmental impact in reporting helps companies adopt a more responsible approach to their activities and minimise ecological risks.

Access to Data on Environmental Impact

Mining companies will now be required to disclose data on their environmental impact, including greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and other consequences of their operations. This provides a foundation for greater transparency and a more informed approach to reducing carbon footprints and improving environmental sustainability.

Site-Level Transparency
One of the key aspects of GRI 14 is its focus on site-level transparency. The standard provides clear guidelines for assessing impacts and risks associated with mining activities at a local level. This allows stakeholders—including local communities, environmental organisations, and regulators—to monitor companies based on specific locations and the minerals they extract.

As a result, companies will need to provide more accurate information regarding the impact of their activities on specific territories, ensuring better control by the public and regulators.

New Disclosure Topics
GRI 14 introduces three important disclosure topics that were not previously covered in earlier versions of the standards, reflecting the changing challenges and trends within the mining industry. These additions address the growing need for disclosure in key areas:

• Tailings Management
  Following tragedies associated with tailings dam failures, the management of tailings has become one of the most discussed topics in the mining sector. The standard now requires companies to disclose information on their tailings management practices, including risk prevention, monitoring, and closure procedures.
• Small-Scale Mining
  Small-scale mining is often associated with smaller companies that may not have the same level of control or adherence to environmental standards as larger operations. The standard requires companies engaged in small-scale mining to disclose information about their activities, risks, and management of environmental impacts.
• Operations in Conflict Zones
  Operating in conflict zones presents unique challenges that require special attention. The standard includes requirements for companies to disclose information about their activities in these regions, as well as the risks to human rights, environmental safety, and social consequences.

Conclusion

With expanded access to the GRI 14 standard and the inclusion of new disclosure topics, this standard provides mining companies with an important tool to increase transparency and responsibility in their operations. The broader availability of translations also ensures that best practices in sustainability will be more widely adopted, fostering fairer and more sustainable development within the global mining industry.