Materials Management
In all areas of our business, Barrick has an overriding commitment to safety and environmental protection systems. Our commitment is to manage all chemicals and materials at our operations in a safe and responsible manner. Use of cyanide, explosives, electricity and fuels at our mining operations is closely monitored based on global best practices. They represent a significant cost of production. Continuous improvement programs at our operations, along with regular reviews, identify opportunities for increasing efficiency in the use of these materials and resources.
Cyanide
Cyanide is used in ore processing at many of Barrick’s operations. After 100 years of use and research, cyanide remains the predominant means by which gold is extracted from ore. It is a hazardous substance which can be harmful to people and animals. Therefore, at each of our operations, we have rigorous procedures in place for the safe transport, storage and handling, and disposal of cyanide.
Barrick helped develop, and is a signatory to, the International Cyanide Management Code. The Code provides the independent method of certification for the responsible management of cyanide, from its manufacture and transportation to its use in the gold mining process. Developed under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Program, the Code is the product of multi-stakeholder input and is supported by environmental advocacy groups from around the world.
Click on the following links to learn more about Barrick's commitment to safe cyanide management:
Explosives
In any construction or mining activity, explosives are used to break down rock that is too hard to excavate without being fractured first. Rigorous safety procedures and controls are in place at all of our operations related to storage, transportation, handling and use of explosive materials such as ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO) and emulsions.
Electricity and Fuels
Barrick’s operations use energy in the form of electricity and liquid fossil fuels, primarily diesel. Most of our electricity is purchased from utilities or other generators, or from regional and national grids. A few of our more remote mines generate their own electricity using either diesel- or natural gas-fired generators. We are engaged in ongoing programs to optimize energy efficiency and are committed to increasing our use of renewable energy where practical. Responsible energy use benefits our bottom line, the environment and the communities where we operate.
For example our Goldstrike Mine in Nevada, which provides its own power as an independent power producer and market purchaser, has established a target of 9 percent of its purchased power as renewable. Responsible energy use benefits our bottom line, the environment and the communities where we operate.
We use a variety of different fuels at our operations around the world, including diesel, gasoline, propane, natural gas and fuel oil. We have measures in place to prevent fuel spills and to contain fuels should spills happen in order to protect people and the environment. These measures include designing appropriate storage and piping, the use of multiple levels of spill containment, appropriate training of employees and contractors and routine inspection and monitoring of storage facilities. As a result, spills and leaks are detected quickly, the fuels are most often captured within containment, and long-term environmental impacts are prevented.
Materials Transportation
Materials are transported to and from our mines most often by contractors. Our Supplier Code of Ethics governs the environmental impacts of these transportation activities. Transporters must have emergency procedures in place to anticipate, assess and respond to emergency situations in order to minimize any environmental impacts and protect people.
Recycling and Reuse
The company’s focus on materials conservation has led to the establishment of recycling and reuse programs at our operations. A variety of materials are recycled, depending on the recycling facilities available near each location, and can include scrap metals, used oil, batteries, tires, antifreeze, wooden pallets, drums, paper products, plastic and glass. Re-use programs such as tire re-treading and burning used oil for energy are in place at several operations. Our business is resource extraction and does not involve manufacturing. Therefore, we do not have the opportunity to use materials that are wastes from external sources to create our products.