Fortescue Metals : added to 2019 Dow Jones Sustainability World Index

Sep 25, 2019

Fortescue Metals Group (Fortescue) is proud to be rated as a world leader in corporate sustainability in the annual assessment for the 2019 Dow Jones Sustainability World Index.

Launched in 1999, the Index is regarded as the global benchmark for sustainability and ranks the leading listed sustainability-driven companies based on environmental, social and governance factors. This year, around 2500 companies were evaluated with 318 companies, including Fortescue, listed on the World Index.

Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Gaines said it was an honour to see Fortescue's economic, environmental and social performance recognised on the global stage.

'This recognition reflects Fortescue's commitment to hold itself to the highest standards and our focus on ensuring corporate social responsibility is integrated into all aspects of the business,' Ms Gaines said.

'Empowerment of our team members and communities is at the heart of our approach, encouraging innovative solutions to business and societal challenges and building a strong business so communities continue to benefit from Fortescue's growth and development.'

Ms Gaines noted the Index rated Fortescue's performance as particularly strong in the areas of Occupational Health and Safety, Business Conduct, Social Impacts on Communities, Human Rights, Corporate Citizenship and Philanthropy and Water Related Risks.

'The health, safety and wellbeing of the Fortescue family is our number one priority and we remain focussed on achieving our goal of becoming global leaders in safety,' she said.

Fortescue's commitment to sustainability is detailed in the Company's FY19 Corporate Social Responsibility Report against its three core pillars of setting high standards, safeguarding the environment and creating positive social change.

Key performance highlights in the report include:

• Safety - a 53 per cent reduction in the Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate over the past five years to a record annual low of 2.8, including a 24 per cent reduction over the last year
• Aboriginal employment - as at 30 June 2019, 15 per cent of Fortescue's Pilbara based team members are Aboriginal
• Diversity - an increase in the female employment rate to 19 per cent, with 26 per cent of senior leadership positions held by women
• Economic contribution - total global contributions of A$13.1 billion, including over A$2.8 billion in taxes and royalties in Australia
• Climate Change - Reporting aligned with the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosure recommendations and a landmark partnership with CSIRO to explore and develop hydrogen technology as a source of energy and as an export opportunity
• Environmental management - zero significant environmental incidents and an investment in over A$5.5 million on Fortescue Marsh biodiversity programs as part of a long term partnership with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
• Human Rights - the release of Fortescue's second Modern Slavery Voluntary Statement