The reversal of the burden of proving that the manufacture and use of a material carries minimal risk is placing greater onus on producers and product manufacturers to undertake their own scientific assessments. Nowhere is this trend more evident than in Europe as demonstrated by the EU’s new chemicals management legislation "“ REACH. Ensuring that risk assessment methodologies are adapted to reflect the specificities of metals and minerals is therefore vital to allow fair assessment and comparison in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

In response to this challenge, ICMM has released Metals Environmental Risk Assessment Guidance (MERAG). This new publication is the result of a three-year project developed with Eurometaux and endorsed by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The project has developed a comprehensive set of the most advanced and appropriate scientific concepts for assessing the environmental risks posed by metals and inorganic metal compounds. These concepts are presented in a series of eight fact sheets which have been peer-reviewed by a panel of leading independent scientists. The fact sheets are intended to be 'living documents' and will be updated and supplemented as the science continues to evolve.

MERAG concepts are already being used in several countries, including the US. According to Dr Anne Fairbrother of the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), MERAG is "an important source of relevant science about metals and was valuable in the development of our Framework for Metals Risk Assessment".

For mining and metals companies this initiative is an important aspect of materials stewardship, whereby companies are extending their interest beyond the plant gate and considering the whole life cycle of their material.

The MERAG publication and fact sheets are available at www.icmm.com.

ICMM Program Director John Atherton is available for comment.

Notes to Editors:

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 vision is a viable mining, minerals and metals industry that is widely recognized 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, CVRD, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Lonmin, Mitsubishi Materials, Newmont, Nippon Mining & Metals, Rio Tinto, Sumitomo Metal Mining, Teck Cominco, Xstrata, Zinifex.

ICMM’s 24 association members are:

Camara Minera de Mexico, Chamber of Mines of South Africa, 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, 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.

International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM)

International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM)

ICMM is a CEO-led industry group that addresses key priorities and emerging issues within the sector. It seeks to play a leading role by promoting good practice and improved performance internationally and across different commodities.

ICMM provides a platform for industry and other key stakeholders to share challenges and develop solutions based on sound science and the principles of sustainable development. Its vision is for a respected mining and metals industry that is widely recognized as essential for society and as a key contributor to sustainable development.

ICMM's mission is two-fold - to distinguish its members as industry leaders and to make a contribution to raising standards across the industry as a whole.

To be an ICMM member, a company must build trust and respect with key stakeholders as a result of good performance in sustainable development, including clear and comprehensive approaches to reporting and assurance.

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