11.08.2005 ET

(CSRwire) ICMM releases a guide for mining operations on how to develop an emergency response plan. It calls for companies to work with local communities to prevent accidents.

ICMM and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have released Good Practice in Emergency Preparedness and Response, a new publication that covers everything from identifying who does what in an emergency, to training and proper community liaison.

ICMM Secretary General Paul Mitchell said, "Local communities are often inadequately informed of potential risks and are therefore unprepared for emergencies. This publication provides mine site staff with the inspiration and the information to work more closely with their neighbours."

A fast and effective local response to an incident can be the most important factor in limiting injury to people. A well-informed, well-prepared community is also better able to deal with the aftermath.

The new publication's model emergency plan was developed in line with UNEP's APELL (Awareness and Preparedness for Emergencies at Local Level) process and is a companion volume to UNEP's APELL for Mining (2001). Together they provide guidance to ICMM members on meeting a number of their commitments to ICMM's Sustainable Development Framework.

Paul Mitchell and Andrew Parsons are available for comment. Please contact Ben Peachey, ICMM Communications Manager, for further information or to arrange an interview. Electronic copies of the report are available at http://www.icmm.com/project.php?rcd=26. Hard copies are available on request.

Notes to Editors:

The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) is a CEO-led organisation representing the mining and metals industry internationally. An important part of its mandate is dedicated to sustainable development. ICMM comprises many of the world's leading mining and metals companies as well as regional, national and commodity associations, all of which are committed to improving their sustainable development performance and to the responsible production of the mineral and metal resources society needs. ICMM's vision is a viable mining, minerals and metals industry that is widely recognised as essential for modern living and a key contributor to sustainable development.

ICMM's 15 corporate members are:
Alcoa, Anglo American, AngloGold Ashanti, BHP Billiton, Falconbridge, Freeport-McMoRan, Lonmin, Mitsubishi Materials, Newmont, Nippon Mining & Metals, Placer Dome, Rio Tinto, Sumitomo Metal Mining, Umicore, Zinifex.

ICMM's 24 association members are:
Camara Minera de Mexico, Chamber of Mines of South Africa, 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 Industries Associations of Southern Africa, Nickel Institute, Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada, Sociedad Nacional de Minería de Chile, Sociedad Nacional de Minería Petróleo y Energia, The Cobalt Development Institute, World Coal Institute, World Gold Council.

UNEP's mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

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