Major mining companies have long recognised that effective management of environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks is fundamental to the long-term success of their operations...But...one area of mine management remains poorly addressed: the application of in-house ESG policies and supporting systems to so-called ‘independently-managed operations’, such as joint-ventures and minority equity stakes in investment projects...The objectives of this study are to identify the ESG risks associated with independently-managed operations, assess their current and future significance to the major mining companies, and identify a set of recommended good practice guidelines that would address investor concerns regarding these projects. [refers to Anglo American, Xstrata, BHP-Billiton, Glencore, Freeport-McMoRan, Rio Tinto, AngloGold Ashanti]