ENVIRONMENT: Over 100 companies sign Cyanide Code

WASHINGTON, DC - The International Cyanide Management Institute marks a major milestone this month - over 100 companies have signed up and pledged to abide by the voluntary code of practice.

When the Cyanide Code (www.CyanideCode.org) was implemented in November 2005, there were 14 signatories. Now there are 102. The Code is being implemented at 237 operations in 45 countries.

The Cyanide Code is an voluntary industry program for gold mining companies. It focuses on the safe transportation, use and disposal of a chemical that can be exceedingly toxic. A mine wishing to be a signatory must first have an independent audit to determine the status of Code implementation. Those that meet the criteria may display a unique trademark symbol.

Producers of all sizes have subscribed to the Code, including several in Canada. These include Agnico-Eagle's Meadowbank, Goldex, Lapa and Laronde mines; Barrick Gold's Hemlo operation; and Goldcorp's Musselwhite, Red Lake and Porcupine mines. Centerra Gold, Kinross Gold and RSB Logistics are Canadian companies certified as cyanide transporters.