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Global Policies
Cliffs’ conduct as a corporate citizen is guided by our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. Our formal commitments to responsible behavior in the areas of environment, climate change, safety and health, and human rights are outlined in stated policies.
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Environmental – Formalizes our commitment to environmental stewardship.
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Climate Change – States our position on this critical topic and sets forth specific methodologies for monitoring and reducing the emissions of GHGs associated with climate change.
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Human Rights – Formalizes our commitment to obey laws and regulations in countries where we operate, adhere to applicable international standards for health and safety, provide equal opportunity and prohibit discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
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Health and Safety – Formalizes our commitment to the well-being of our employees.
Management
Globally, Cliffs’ environmental management is coordinated by the general manager, environmental affairs. Environmental management at the mine operations is overseen by the site environmental manager with support from our environmental engineers, environmental coordinators, and environmental technologists. Cliffs also engages a range of specialist environmental consultants to assist with a range of environmental and mining matters.
Approvals
Cliffs’ Environmental Policy provides the basis for uniform environmental performance through an Environmental Management System (EMS) that conforms with the ISO 14001 Standard. ISO 14001 certifications are a corporate goal that will have greater significance as the company expands its international interests. An objective review of our performance is regularly provided through a formal audit conducted by independent professionals and is just one of the mechanisms used to push for continual improvement.
To facilitate monitoring of emissions and operating parameters and to comply with the Taconite Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) Rule, an Environmental Information Management System (EIMS) and improved emissions controls have been installed at Cliffs’ U.S. operations. The EIMS has the capability to be expanded to support other operating functions with the ability to provide useful, timely information that improves environmental understanding and facilitates improved environmental performance.
Cliffs has a number of specific initiatives in the works to continue its attempt to reduce its environmental impact.
Community Consultation
Our commitment to the global community is evident in the ways in which our facilities engage at the local level. In addition to adopting corporate-wide initiatives, each facility has the flexibility to design and implement local outreach efforts. Information on Cliffs Foundation giving and other philanthropic contributions can be found in our 2011 sustainability report, Explore. Operate. Grow. |