The “International Cyanide management Code for the manufacture‚ Transport and use of Cyanide in the Production of Gold” (the Code) is a voluntary initiative for the gold mining industry and the producers and transporters of the cyanide used in gold mining. The objective of the Code is to improve the management of cyanide used in gold mining and assist in the protection of human health and the reduction of environmental impacts.

The Code was developed as a result of the January 2000 incident at a Romanian gold mine which demonstrated to the gold mining industry‚ governments and the public that better management of cyanide was needed.

Companies agree to the adoption of the Code by becoming a Signatory and committing to bringing their designated gold mining operations into compliance with the Code. Companies that become Code signatories commit to periodic independent third party audits to determine whether their operations can be certified as in compliance with the Code’s Principles and Standards of Practice. Audits are conducted by auditors meeting International Cyanide Management Institute (ICMI) criteria.

Sustainability Pty Ltd has a number of experienced ICMI accredited lead and technical expert auditors who are capable of auditing cyanide producers, transporters and gold mine operators against the Code. Sustainability’s auditors have completed Code certification and re-certification audits in Australia and South-East Asia and have technical specialty in metallurgy, cyanide chemistry, hazardous materials transport and sodium cyanide production.

Companies considering becoming a Code signatory may wish to complete a gap analysis to Code requirements to identify corrective actions required prior to certification. Alternatively, as Code auditors,

Sustainability can assist companies in preparing the site for certification; this could involve the preparation of system documentation, development of cyanide training and awareness programmes or implementing scheduled inspections and monitoring. Sustainability can also provide regular internal Code compliance audits for certified companies and operations to provide an assessment of compliance between the three year certification audits.

Sustainability Pty Ltd is a West Australian based consultancy firm that operates internationally. We specialise in the provision of environment, occupational health and safety and training services to a diverse range of industrial, resource and infrastructure clients.

Contact John Miragliotta on john.miragliotta@sustainability.net.au to discuss your Cyanide Code requirements.