Executives form environment group

A international organization of mining companies has been formed to promote sound environmental and health policies and practices within the industry. Called the International Council on Metals and the Environment, the group consists of industry leaders from Europe, North America, South America and Australia.

Noranda Minerals Chairman Keith Hendrick, chairman of the council, said the initiative marks a historical turning point for the mining community.

“It clearly reflects a major change in the industry’s approach to environmental and health issues,” he said. “It has not co-ordinated its knowledge, experience and resources to address international issues that go beyond individual and corporate interests (before).” The council’s initial priorities include developing an environmental stewardship policy, working with the United Nations (to create environmental guidelines for developing nations, and establishing “consultative status” with the UN, said Gary Nash, who has been appointed secretary-general of the organization.

Relying on contributions from its members, the council has gathered an initial budget of approximately $750,000 to establish its headquarters in Ottawa.

Founding members from the Canadian mining scene include Cominco Ltd., Falconbridge Ltd. and Noranda Inc. Representing the U.S. are Asarco, The Doe Run Co., Minorco USA and Phelps Dodge. The council expects to increase and broaden its membership as programs develop.

“The fact that the companies involved are leaders of the industry worldwide reflects the priority the environment has with the mining industry,” said Nash.

Noel Masson, president of ACEC Union Miniere (Belgium), and Jaime Lomelin, president of Industrias Penoles SA de CV (Mexico), were elected vice-chairmen of the council.

Separate groups have been set up within the council to deal with specific issues. Leaders of these groups have been elected as follows: — Bob Muth, vice-president, Asarco — chairman of the standing committee on safe use of metals — Per Broman, Boliden Mineral — leader of task force to develop an environmental stewardship policy — Frank Frantisak, senior vice-president, Noranda — leader of the task force to establish environmental guidelines for developing countries and Eastern Europe. — Jaime Undurraga, Codelco (Chile) — leader of advisory panel on communications — Albert Cecutti, director of occupational health for Falconbridge — leader of advisory panel.