Reporting Practice
Based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) definition of materiality, The Doe Run Company (Doe Run) determines what information to include in its Sustainability Report based on a variety of methods, which may include quantitative and qualitative research, one-on-one conversations, community meetings, tours, online surveys, and special events. We include progress we have made on projects, processes or challenges that have significant economic, environmental and social impact (both positive and negative) on our company, our stakeholders and the industries that depend on lead-based products.
Doe Run initially adopted the GRI framework in 2009 as a response to research that indicated audiences wanted to know more about the company, its efforts to operate safely and its investments to limit its environmental impact. The executive team reviews and implements programs and processes to further implement sustainability in the company’s operations. Each year, the executive team assigns individuals from the various divisions to collect data and prepare the company’s Sustainability Report.
Doe Run continues to refine the topics we cover in our Sustainability Reports based on what our stakeholders consider material.
Over the past decade, we have periodically conducted quantitative and qualitative research within the Missouri communities in which we operate. The research identified the major issues facing citizens in the community during that time. Some of the most common responses we have heard over the years include the state of the local economy, the availability of good jobs, Doe Run’s environmental responsibility, the safety of Doe Run operations, and the company’s involvement in the community. Responses also showed concern about Doe Run’s tax appeals in Reynolds and Iron Counties.
Based on these insights and ongoing conversations with our stakeholders, Doe Run prioritized which aspects and data indicators are material both inside and outside the organization, and should be the focus of the 2021 report:
- Community involvement at all operations
- Employee health and safety at all operations
- Environmental capital investment and performance, which relates to all operations
- Remediation progress and land conservation
- Workforce data for all operations
- Direct economic impact from all operations and indirect economic impact from operations and supply chain
Identification and Selection of Stakeholders
Based on input and continued dialogue with our employees, communities, industry groups and regulatory bodies, we’ve determined that in addition to our shareholders and employees, our stakeholders consist of the following: community groups and leaders; neighboring property owners and residents; current and retired employees; local, state and federal government; business groups; nearby schools; and industry organizations.
Stakeholder Groups
-
Community groups and leaders
Key Interests and Concerns
Seek information related to local jobs, taxes and other support.
Engagement Methods
- Host an online survey available through our sustainability website each year.
- Provide feedback mechanism via annual Sustainability Report.
- Maintain ongoing engagement through a number of community events (our typical public events did not take place in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic).
- Maintain involvement in various community organizations, including Viburnum Economic Development Area Corporation, Viburnum Lions Club, Salem Chamber of Commerce, Council for a Healthy Dent County, Reynolds County Rotary Club, Teen Challenge of St. Louis, the United Way of Greater St. Louis, local school district organizations, and community sports teams.
- Support local nonprofits through donations, including Iron County Sheriff’s Department, Ellington Chamber of Commerce, Salem Area Community Betterment Association, Bunker Lions Club, Bunker Fire Department, Valley Lions Club, Disabled Citizens Alliance for Independence Food Pantry, local churches, and other organizations.
- Share company updates via news releases and annual Sustainability Report.
- Provide free tours annually during Old Miners’ Days (canceled in 2021 due to the pandemic).
-
Neighboring property owners and residents
Key Interests and Concerns
Seek information related to the potential impact of Doe Run’s operations on their land, such as environmental precautions, traffic, noise, etc. Also interested in employee safety.
Engagement Methods
- Communicate directly with nearby residents if a situation arose.
- Share company updates via news releases, local newspaper and radio interviews, and annual Sustainability Report.
- Provide free tours annually during Old Miners’ Days (canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic).
-
Employees
Key Interests and Concerns
Seek information about business goals, operational performance, employee training, and health and safety.
Engagement Methods
- Conducted employee surveys in 2017, 2014 and 2012, and one is slated for 2022.
- Hold regular meetings with hourly employees.
- Hold regular employee meetings with managers.
- Established cascading process to share information with employees and to surface feedback from employees.
- Publish regular employee newsletter mailed to homes to share company updates.
- Gather informal information at annual company-sponsored events, including Old Miners’ Days and Fall Rocks (canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic).
-
Local, state and federal government and regulatory agencies
Key Interests and Concerns
Both groups seek information about operational performance, specifically around environmental impact and health and safety. Local and state government is also deeply interested in the company’s economic impact, including jobs and taxes.
Engagement Methods
- Hosted Doe Run Day at the Capitol to interact with legislators in Jefferson City, Missouri, in 2020, 2017 and 2015.
- Hosted a legislator tour of Doe Run operations in June 2019, and planning another for freshman legislators in 2022.
- Hosted an EPA tour of Doe Run operations in July 2021.
- Meet regularly with federal and state legislators to provide updates on company operations, environmental performance and future plans.
- Regularly invite elected and regulatory officials to tour operations.
- Post online annual Sustainability Reports with detailed data on environmental, health and safety performance.
- Meet regularly to address legacy issues and ongoing operations with Missouri Department of Natural Resources, EPA Region 7, U.S. Forest Service and Natural Resources Trustees.
-
Business groups
Key Interests and Concerns
Seek information related to the company’s economic impact in the area, including supplier partnerships.
Engagement Methods
- Maintain involvement with local business groups, including Viburnum Economic Development Area Corporation, Viburnum Lions Club, Washington County Chamber of Commerce, Salem Chamber of Commerce, and Associated Industries of Missouri.
- Share company updates via news releases and the annual Sustainability Report.
-
Nearby school districts and colleges
Key Interests and Concerns
Seek information related to funding that benefits schools. Also seek information to inform and educate students about mining and minerals, and training for students who want to enter the mining profession.
Engagement Methods
- Maintain ongoing partnerships with local colleges, such as the Missouri University of Science and Technology, Southwest Baptist College and Mineral Area College, including scholarships and/or donations toward key programs.
- Provide financial support for STEM-related education in local schools, including materials that encourage active learning, creative problem-solving and enhanced curriculum at area school districts and scholarships for students studying STEM fields.
- Offer minerals education curriculum and materials to local school districts.
- Offer internships and job training.
- Engage in informal conversations with teachers and administrators through involvement in mineral education workshops, Career Days and other partnerships with schools.
- Share company updates via news releases and the annual Sustainability Report.
-
Industry organizations
Key Interests and Concerns
Seek information and best practices related to economic, environmental and social performance.
Engagement Methods
- Hold multiple board or executive committee positions with industry trade associations.
- Assist industry organizations, and their educational campaigns, such as Essential Energy Everyday, with initiatives to further the industry.
Open communication with our internal and external stakeholders helps us share achievements and challenges. It also helps Doe Run understand what actions and information our stakeholders desire from us. We strive to maintain open communication with stakeholders both inside and outside the company. Our Sustainability Reports and our online survey are two channels for this communication.
To share feedback with Doe Run, contact communityinfo@doerun.com, and please consider answering a few questions via our online survey.