ICMM confirmed the company underwent "a rigorous and independent assessment process" to confirm its sustainability policies were in alignment with the 10 principles of the council's 'Sustainable Development Framework'. Founded in 1888, Alcoa is a publicly traded company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with a presence in 12 countries across six continents. Alcoa said it had been recognised for "using advanced practices through all stages of operations" in bauxite mining; this included "industry-leading rehabilitation methods" in areas with high biodiversity value.