11.13.2007 - 08:58am ET

(CSRwire) November 13, 2007 - "Metals are highly durable chemical elements that can, in theory, be recycled infinitely with no inherent degradation in properties", says ICMM President Paul Mitchell. ICMM's latest publication explores the relationship between three concepts - materials stewardship, eco-efficiency and product policy - that are being applied to help maximize the benefit of these properties.

The rationale is that a clear understanding of the often complex interrelationship between these three concepts enables the mining and metals industry and society in general to better identify specific opportunities for optimizing efficiency in the life cycle of metals and minerals.

The end goal is not only optimized production, but also an increased understanding of the attributes of minerals and metals by those managing downstream processes and products, and by policy makers who influence their patterns of use in society.

Materials stewardship is the concept ICMM has developed to embody the range of activities required to ensure the optimal and appropriate use of minerals and metals in society. It is about enhancing the durability and recyclability of minerals and metals, increasing the efficiency of their production and use, and minimizing associated risks.

Eco-efficiency is an emerging tool that is considered vital for implementing materials stewardship. It concerns 'doing more with less' and harnesses the business imperative of creating value but links it to environmental performance and presents companies with the opportunity to maximize both. The third element of focus in this publication - product policy, is the regulatory device that many governments apply in relation to improving resource efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of goods and services.

In practice, many of the process and product systems that the mining and metals industry is seeking to optimize through the application of materials stewardship and eco-efficiency are the same systems that governments are seeking to influence.

ICMM program director John Atherton says "All industry sectors are under increasing pressure to use resources effectively in order to strengthen environmental practices and economic performance. ICMM's new publication will help them to better assess the issues involved".

Materials Stewardship, Eco-efficiency and Product Policy is available at http://www.icmm.com/library_pub_detail.php?rcd=208, and hard copies are available upon request from info@icmm.com.

ICMM's John Atherton is available for interview - please contact Fernanda Diez.

The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) is a CEO-led organization representing many of the world's leading mining and metals companies as well as regional, national and commodity associations. An important part of its mandate is dedicated to sustainable development. ICMM members are committed to improving their sustainable development performance and to the responsible production of the mineral and metal resources society needs.

ICMM's 16 corporate members are:

Alcoa, Anglo American, AngloGold Ashanti, BHP Billiton, CVRD, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Gold Fields, Lonmin, Mitsubishi Materials, Newmont, Nippon Mining & Metals, Rio Tinto, Sumitomo Metal Mining, Teck Cominco, Xstrata, Zinifex.

ICMM's 28 association members are:

Cámara Argentina de Empresarios Mineros, Camara Asomineros Andi (Colombia), Camara Minera de Mexico, Chamber of Mines of South Africa, China International Mining Group, Cobalt Development Institute, Consejo Minero de Chile A.G., Eurometaux, Euromines, Federation of Indian Mineral Industries, Indonesian Mining Association, Instituto Brasileiro de Mineraçao, International Aluminium Institute, International Copper Association, International Wrought Copper Council, International Zinc Association, Japan Mining Industry Association, Lead Development Association International, Minerals Council of Australia, Mining Association of Canada, Mining Industry Associations of Southern Africa, National Mining Association (USA), Nickel Institute, Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada, Sociedad Nacional de Minería (Chile), Sociedad Nacional de Minería Petróleo y Energía (Peru), World Coal Institute, World Gold Council.

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