The need to consider the impact of business operations and relationships on human rights is a growing feature of the corporate landscape...Operational, social, economic, geographical and political factors inherent to the mining industry mean players at all levels of the metals and minerals supply chain should pay close attention to their human rights footprint...The UN Guiding Principles are highly relevant to the mining industry and this article explains how understanding the impact of the Guiding Principles and taking on their recommendations is vital to companies' future success...It should be noted that operations in, or supply chains linked to, areas of conflict/political instability can implicate companies with adverse human rights impacts, even if they are not directly involved...Human rights due diligence is not merely another layer of corporate administration. A pro-active approach to human rights issues can generate competitive advantages...[Incentives include:] Enhanced operational efficiency...Reduced reputational risk...Improved access to financing...Investor pressure...Avoidance of legal claims/fines...