ICMM CEO Tom Butler sent to letter to UN Framework Convention on Climate Change executive secretary Christiana Figueres to offer support on behalf of the group’s 23 member companies.

In his letter, Butler said climate change was an undeniable and critical global challenge, and its causes must be addressed by all parts of society, including the mining sector.

“We support a price on carbon, and other market mechanisms that drive reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and incentivise innovation,” the letter said.

“We recognise the need to reduce emissions from the use of coal, and support collaborative approaches to accelerate the use of low-emission coal technologies as part of a measured transition to a lower-emissions energy mix.

“That transition should recognise the importance of coal in the global economy, and particularly in the developing world.”

Butler wrote that the ICMM supported a greater use of renewable energy and other cost-effective low-emission technologies, including in the mining sector.

“We will help our host communities, and equip our operations, to adapt to the physical impact of climate change,” the letter said.

“We will continue to ensure that climate change is a part of our planning process.

“We will engage with our peers, governments and society to share solutions and develop effective climate change policy.”

The letter was endorsed by the CEOs of the member companies.

ICMM’s members are Glencore, South32, BHP Billiton, Newmont Mining, Teck Resources, Barrick Gold, Anglo American, Hydro, MMG, JX Nippon Mining & Metals, Rio Tinto, AngloGold Ashanti, Freeport McMoRan, Goldcorp, Lonmin, Codelco, Areva, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo Metal Mining Co, African Rainbow Minerals, Polyus Gold, Gold Fields, and Antofagasta.