ICMM Report 2026

The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) issues a new report stating that nearly two-thirds of the world’s mining and metals facilities face at least 1 significant physical water risk. The study covers more than 12,000 facilities across 148 countries and regions and maps physical water-risk indicators and compound-risk hotspots for the sector.

ICMM Report 2026 :

Dimension	Key Details
Issuing organisation	The report is issued by the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM).
Study coverage	The study comprises more than 12,000 facilities across 148 countries and regions.
Overall exposure finding	At least 1 significant physical water risk applies to nearly two-thirds of the world’s mining and metals facilities.
Most common risk	Baseline water stress applies to 38% of facilities.
Drought risk	Drought risk applies to 27% of facilities globally.
Physical water risk indicators assessed	The assessment comprises 5 physical water risk indicators: Floods, Droughts, Baseline water stress, Baseline water depletion, and Interannual variability.
Compound water-risk hotspots	Compound water-risk hotspots comprise Chile, Peru, southern Africa, northern China, central India, western Australia, and the western United States.
Nature of analysis	The report is the first comprehensive cross-commodity analysis of water risks across the mining and metals sector.
Flood exposure	Flood exposure is particularly pronounced for alumina, aluminum, steel, and molybdenum production facilities.
ICMM profile	The International Council on Mining and Metals has been founded in 2001 as a CEO-led leadership organisation on the premise of improving sustainable development in the mining and metals industry.