PROJECTS
Emergency response
In recent years there has been a great deal of progress in improving the industry's attitude and action towards disaster response. Being prepared for, and responding effectively to, emergencies is crucial for mining and metals companies and the communities in which they operate.
As well as improving the industry's understanding of the issue, it is important to spread awareness amongst those living near mine sites. Experience has shown that well-prepared and informed communities cope better if disaster strikes.
What is ICMM doing?
In 2005, ICMM published, with the support of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Good Practice in Emergency Preparedness and Response a report which is designed to help companies work with local authorities and communities in preparing for possible emergencies. A Spanish version of the report was published in September 2007.
It built on UNEP's existing emergency planning tool, APELL (Awareness and Preparedness for Emergencies at Local Level) for mining, which was prepared in collaboration with ICMM’s predecessor organization, the International Council on Metals and the Environment (ICME) in 2001.
The 2005 report found that ICMM members' technical preparations for emergencies were good, but that they needed to make more effort to work with their neighbouring communities to ensure a fully integrated approach. The report suggests a number of practical measures which could help prevent emergencies developing and problems to be dealt with efficiently and effectively.
Since late 2006, ICMM has been participating in the UNEP project "Engaging business and the supply-chain in safer production and emergency preparedness: A commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) at the site level".
Within the first phase of the project, UNEP is developing specific guidelines for safer production, emergency preparedness and response, and the integration of key CSR elements in a broader APELL framework aimed at local site level business partners. ICMM is currently providing guidance for a new UNEP Emergency Preparedness toolkit.
What will our work achieve?
We want member operations and their local communities to be better prepared for the unlikely event of an accident, and for communities and regulators to have a greater appreciation of operations' emergency preparedness and foresight.
PROJECT DETAILS
Being prepared for, and responding effectively to, emergencies is crucial for companies and the communities in which they operate.
- Partner
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- UNEP
- Contact
RELATED PUBLICATIONS
Good Practice in Emergency Preparedness and Response
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ICMM/UNEP: Explaining APELL for mining
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APELL for Mining
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RELATED LINKS
- Making changes to existing plans with respect to communities
- Responding to a distant train derailment
- Lessons from a tailings dam failure
- Security measures and public information for safe transport of chemicals: three mines in Peru
- Improving community interaction after tailings pipeline failure
- Community engagement on potential for seismic failure of tailings pond
- Co-ordination with local emergency services simulation and review
- Communication plans for crisis management
- Community engagement - policy requirements
- Identifying and assessing hazards and risks
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
Principle 04:
Implement risk management strategies based on valid data and sound science.
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