The International Cyanide Management Code
Barrick adheres to the principles and standards of practice set out in the
International Cyanide Management Code for the Manufacture, Transport and Use of Cyanide in Gold Production. Stringent environmental and employee protection systems are in place at Barrick mines and are part of consent conditions to operate.
About the Code
The International Cyanide Management Code is a voluntary global initiative to assist the gold mining industry in improving its management of cyanide. Developed in 2000 under the auspices of the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) and the former International Council on Metals & the Environment (ICME), the Code is the product of a multi-stakeholder steering committee that included Barrick and other representatives from the gold mining industry, governments, NGOs, cyanide producers and other stakeholders. The Steering Committee produced a set of best management practices for the lifecycle of cyanide management to ensure its safe manufacture, transport, use and disposal.
The Code addresses potential risks within the gold mining industry, including accidental leaks, release into the environment and exposure of mine workers to concentrated hydrogen cyanide gas. It is intended to complement an operation’s existing regulatory requirements, based on strict controls and practices for all aspects of cyanide use. It was developed to ensure the protection and safety of workers, the environment and communities adjacent to mining operations.
Safe management measures specified in the Cyanide Code include:
- ensuring the safe manufacturing of cyanide
- planning transportation routes and protocols to minimize risk
- safe handling practices to protect workers
- double containment for liquids that contain cyanide
- double containment for gold processing facilities
- mechanisms to protect wildlife
- environmental monitoring programs
- effective emergency response systems
Companies that adopt the Code must have their mining operations that use cyanide audited by an independent third party to determine the status of Code implementation. Those operations that meet the Code requirements can be certified. Operations found to be in substantial compliance are required to complete action plans to bring them into compliance. Audit results are made public to inform stakeholders of the status of cyanide management practices at the certified operation.
Further information regarding the Code can be found on the International Cyanide Management Institute (ICMI) website: www.cyanidecode.org. For further information about the certification of Barrick's operations, click here.