AusIMM M.O.U
Memorandum of Understanding between the Mineral Industry Consultants Association Inc. (MICA) and the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM))
Sydney, 18 June 2004
In the interests of working together for the mutual benefit of both organisations it was agreed that :
- Meetings will be held twice a year between the Directors of The AusIMM (or their nominees) and the MICA Board (or their nominees) to review the status of the relationship between the two bodies and to propose any joint initiatives.
- Should any conflict be seen to be arising between the two bodies, then both Boards will call a meeting to resolve it.
- MICA may nominate representatives to appropriate AusIMM Committees, however The AusIMM Board retains the right to accept or reject the nomination. Nominees must be AusIMM members.
- Consistent with Rule 16.5 of MICA Rules, The AusIMM may be invited to nominate a person to be an Ex-Officio Director to the MICA Board, with the MICA Board retaining the right to accept or reject the nomination.
- Both institutions will recommend other initiatives and ideas which may enhance the relationship.
- If a complaint is raised against a MICA member about a breach of the MICA Code for Consultants, it must be made to MICA and be considered under the process outlined in the MICA Rules. If the complaint is made under any Code or Bye Law of The AusIMM, then it must be made to The AusIMM and be dealt with under its processes. If the complaint is against a MICA member who is not an AusIMM member then MICA must deal with the complaint.
- A process will be set up to ensure that there is no “double jeopardy” when a complaint of a breach of a Code by a member of the AusIMM is raised. If the Codes for Consultants are common, then the parties concerned will meet to agree on the process which shall be used. Should there be any doubt, then the issue would be dealt with as per Para 2.
- The AusIMM will support a MICA recruitment campaign to attract appropriate AusIMM members to become MICA members.
- MICA representatives will be encouraged to have significant input into Continuing Professional Development initiatives for Certified Professional status, for recognition and promotion of non technical continuing professional development opportunities, the proposed National Register of Mining Industry Professionals and other forms of recognition and accreditation to improve the existing schemes.
- When required to nominate an expert, mediator or arbitrator, the President of The AusIMM will consult with the Chair of MICA or his representative and seek a shortlist of possible nominees, which will take into account the accredited experience and skills of MICA members. The President will select from The AusIMM membership the individual or panel of experts with the most appropriate experience to undertake the requested task.
- The AusIMM will advise the Board of MICA as to any changes to the Chartered Professional Status of MICA members.
- The AusIMM will continue to provide the Secretariat for MICA at agreed secretarial fees with bank signatories and auditors as agreed by the MICA Board.
- Any professionals who are admitted to membership of MICA who are not AusIMM members will not have the same entitlements as AusIMM members with respect to signing off on JORC, VALMIN or any other AusIMM codes which may be introduced. Nor will they be entitled to other AusIMM membership services such as the WIR, the Bulletin, International Transactions, Member Advantage and other discounts, nor discounts for publications or conferences attendance at member rates. Any misrepresentations by these non AusIMM members will be a breach of the MICA Code of Ethics.
- This agreement will be reviewed on an annual basis by those bodies under Para 1 to ensure that it is relevant to changing circumstances.
Signed
Dr. Carlos Sorentino
Chairman of Mineral Industry Consultants Association Inc.
Signed
Dr. Ian Gould
President of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy