Newmont requested independent evaluations at select mine sites by IUCN using its Biodiversity Net Gain Protocol. The two met for the first site visit in August in Nevada, US, and are planning more visits in other regions.

The goals of the reviews over a three-year period, the two said, will include gathering data Newmont can subsequently implement in enhanced biodiversity conservation programmes and also share its knowledge with the partner group.

IUCN global director Stewart Maginnis said a full assessment from the Nevada visit is still being put together, but preliminarily it feels there is "considerable scope" to mainstream biodiversity conservation across the mining sector.

"However, for this to work, companies need commitment at both the corporate and operational level to adhere to best practice standards as well as third-party assessment and verification," he added.

Newmont sustainability and external relations vice president Elaine Dorward-King said its partnership will offer further insight into how it can meet and exceed its biodiversity targets and maintain its presence as a global sustainability leader.

"Understanding and managing the impacts of our activities on biodiversity, critical habitats and ecosystems - at every stage of the mine lifecycle - is essential to ensuring our operations remain responsible and profitable well into the future," she said.

The IUCN, originally formed in France, has more than 1,300 member organisations and utilises the input of more than 13,000 experts.

In addition to the US, Newmont has gold and copper mines in Australia, Ghana, Peru and Suriname. It previously stated its goal of no net loss of key biodiversity values (KBVs).