New Guidance Assists Mining and Metals Companies

ICMM’s latest guidance document will assist mining and metals companies in meeting the demands of new marine transport regulations.

In this guidance ICMM sets out the approach that leading mining and metals commodity associations have developed in collaboration with scientific experts from research institutes around the world.

Growing demand for metals and greater societal awareness of their potential chemical hazards means there is a need to demonstrate they are produced, transported and used safely. One recent example has been the amendment of transport codes by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to put more emphasis on understanding risks to ships crews and the marine environment from bulk cargoes - including ores and concentrates.

Assessing the hazards of ores and concentrates is essential to ensure that any potential environmental and health risks can be properly managed. In practice there are significant challenges to address for the assessment of ores and concentrates - including the complexity and variation in their composition. This makes understanding the techniques required for accurate hazard assessment of paramount importance.

Through application of this guidance we hope to promote a consistent and responsible approach for assessing cargoes governed within the IMO mandate and generated by the mining and metals industry. This is a key part of ensuring that mining and metals generates a positive contribution to sustainable development.