We are committed to contributing positively to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To this end, in South Africa, we participate in the National Business Initiative to align the 17 SDGs with the country's National Development Plan. Through our strategy, we will continue to support the country in implementing the National Development Plan and the most material SDGs. We employ leading practices in upholding the most material SDGs for our business to leave a lasting net positive impact.
Exxaro is a leader in business management with sound ESG principles that deliver sustainable economic returns and tangible benefits for all stakeholders. The group is ranked #1 for ESG performance-selected resources company metrics, in terms of the FTSE Russell index. We conduct our business activities in a way that creates success for Exxaro and society. From how we mine to what we mine, we are stewarding our natural assets and social capital to uplift our communities.
With a proven track record confirming that we deliver solid returns, Exxaro continues to present an outstanding investment opportunity. Our exemplary ESG performance over the past year is evident in our above-target safety performance, our management of COVID-19 risks, and our climate change response strategy demonstrating our commitment to the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) guidelines. Selected key sustainability metrics have been independently assured by PwC (see the Assurance report). This process confirms our commitment to continuously improve our reporting to our stakeholders.
We harness and steward natural resources — water, air, biodiversity and land — so that people can share the value of these assets for the greater good. Exxaro has comprehensive group standards that ensure we comply with legal requirements and use these natural resources responsibly. We tirelessly strive to minimise the impact we have on our environment and believe that our initiatives will support the just transition of our operations to cleaner energy.
Our sustainability is founded on creative, mutually constructive relationships and values shared with our stakeholders. We are aware of the need to be responsible and accountable for our actions and conduct our business activities to support the development of society within our spheres of influence. We strive for operational efficiency, growth, and regulatory compliance within a framework of responsible corporate citizenship.
Sustainable value creation is a top priority for our board of directors. Our directors are fully committed to the 16 principles of good corporate governance as set out in the King IV Report on Corporate Governance for South Africa, 2016 (King IVTM), and balance the interests of the company as a responsible citizen with the legitimate interests and expectations of stakeholders.
