25 June 2004
Six of the world's largest gold producers, together with three manufacturers of sodium cyanide, have announced their commitment to the International Cyanide Management Code (Code). The Code is a voluntary industry programme for companies involved in the production of gold. Sodium cyanide is an essential chemical used in the production of gold.
The Code provides comprehensive guidance for the best practice in the use and management of cyanide at gold mines around the world and reaches beyond the requirements of most governments and regulatory agencies. It covers nine key areas: production, transportation, handling and storage, operations, decommission of facilities, worker safety, emergency response, training and communications with the public.
Mining companies committing to the Code are: AngloGold Ashanti Ltd, Barrick Gold Corp., Kinross Gold Corp., Newmont Mining Corp., Placer Dome Inc. and Rio Tinto. These companies are responsible for approximately 30 percent of annual mined gold production worldwide. Cyanide producers committing to the Code are Cyanco, Cyplus and Dupont
The Code was developed by a steering committee of multi-stakeholders under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Prgramme and the International Council on Metals & Environment. The committee compromised participants selected from government, non-governmental organisations, cyanide producers, labour, financial institutions, and the gold mining industry.
Today's announcement of commitment pertains to the technical aspects of the Code including the principles, standards and guidance. An industry advisory group is providing support for the completion of administrative elements required to implement the certification aspects of the Code, including signatory procedures, auditor qualifications and audit procedures.
The Code is administered by the International Cyanide Management Institute. (ICMI), a non-profit organisation.
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