Freeport Named Among Most Responsible Companies in the US
Freeport-McMoRan was named one of America ’ s Most JUST Companies in annual rankings from JUST Capital based on what the public views as the most important business behaviors for U . S . corporations .
In the JUST 100 rankings , the company was first overall in the Basic Resources category and first among companies in that industry when it comes to its treatment of workers .
Overall , Freeport ranked 64 out of the
951 largest publicly traded companies in the United States included on the 2023 list . This is the fourth time Freeport has been included in the top 100 businesses on the JUST 100 list since it was launched in 2017 . The rankings are compiled by JUST Capital based on surveys of Americans to determine what they consider the top priorities for good business behavior .
How a company treats its workers tops the criteria list again this year . The surveys show that paying fair wages and creating good jobs in the U . S . are the two most important business issues today . That is consistent across every demographic group surveyed , whether it be by race , gender , age , income or political affiliation , according to the JUST Capital announcement .
Other worker-related priorities for businesses include protecting health and safety , providing a good work-life balance and investing in training . Four of the six issues rated as most important had to do with treatment of employees .
EMPLOYEES THE PRIORITY
Putting its people first is a priority at Freeport , and it is gratifying that it is being recognized in the JUST 100 rankings , said Pam Masson , Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer .
“ Our ability to successfully recruit , retain , develop and advance talented employees is paramount ,” Masson said . “ We focus on creating an inclusive workplace and retaining talented people by offering quality employment with fair and equitable compensation and benefits as well as with opportunities for professional development and advancement .”
In the Basic Resources category , Freeport also ranked second in minimizing environmental impact , community support and good governance . Among the specifics in the community support category are that a company should operate transparently , contribute to community development by supporting local schools and businesses , and give back to local communities .
Those also are priorities at Freeport , said Tracy Bame , Director- Social Responsibility . In 2022 , the company facilitated more than 4,800 community engagement meetings and invested $ 175 million in community programs , adding to the cumulative total of nearly $ 2.3 billion since 2009 , Bame said .
Each community outreach program is tailored to be sitespecific . But they have the same overarching objectives : build trust , minimize or mitigate negative impacts from company operations , maximize positive benefits , support communities in building resilience through the life of the mine , and develop skills in the community that will allow it to thrive after the mine closes .
“ We are committed to responsibly managing our relationships with host communities and Indigenous neighbors , and constructive dialogue is at the foundation ,” Bame said . “ Our engagements help to inform understanding of our actual , potential and perceived impacts . They also help us build a localized understanding of what contributes to community welfare and long-term resilience and mutually identify relevant social investment and development priorities to support any gaps .”
The list is compiled by JUST Capital , a nonprofit research firm that encourages corporations to focus on improving service to all stakeholders , including workers , customers , shareholders , communities and the environment .