NEWS

08.02.07
ICMM commits to work on a multi-stakeholder mercury strategy

In a statement presented at the 24th Session of the United Nations Governing Council in Nairobi, ICMM has committed to work with others on an integrated multi-stakeholder strategy for the responsible management of mercury which arises as a by-product of metals production.

ICMM member companies are committed to reducing mercury emissions into the atmosphere and local environment. They also recognize that the supply of mercury to the global market needs to be properly managed, disposal and/or storage mechanisms identified, and solutions found for problems arising from the use of mercury in artisanal and small scale gold mining.

The statement has been developed in response to the ongoing discussions under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) towards identifying effective ways of reducing the global adverse impacts on health and the environment from mercury.

ICMM recognizes that action needs to be taken to reduce mercury releases to the environment and to find long-term sustainable solutions for problems associated with the use of mercury. Such actions need to be based on a clear understanding of the environmental, social and economic risks and benefits and multi-stakeholder participation.

ICMM President Paul Mitchell said, "ICMM aims to minimize emissions of mercury and to manage the risks associated with mercury recovered as a result of pollution control."

The statement on Mercury is in line with ICMM member companies' commitment to the ICMM Sustainable Development Framework and materials stewardship policy.

RELATED PUBLICATIONS

Materials Stewardship: Eco-efficiency and Product Policy
Read more
Download PDF

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK

Principle 04:

Implement risk management strategies based on valid data and sound science.

© International Council on Mining and Metals 2008. The ICMM logo is a trade mark of the International Council on Mining and Metals. Registered in the United Kingdom, Australia and Japan.