The International Cyanide Management Code (Cyanide Code) was introduced in 2002 in response to a series of cyanide-related incidents in the global mining industry. These events underscored the need for improved cyanide management practices to protect mining workers, the public, and the environment. The Cyanide Code, a voluntary industry program, was developed to guide the gold mining industry, cyanide producers, and transporters in adopting safer practices.
Why Cyanide Code Certification Matters
Obtaining certification under the Cyanide Code serves multiple purposes. Whether it’s improving a company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework, meeting regulatory or stakeholder demands, or securing project financing, adhering to the Cyanide Code demonstrates a commitment to safety. Certification is an assurance to employees, stakeholders, and the public that a site prioritises safe cyanide management.
While some sites are content with being audited without becoming official signatories, the majority opt for full certification. This formal recognition is a statement that a company takes cyanide safety seriously. After all, why invest in compliance without reaping the benefits of recognition?
The Path to Cyanide Code Certification
To become a Cyanide Code signatory, a company must implement the best practices and management systems outlined in the Code and undergo an external audit every three years to ensure compliance.
The Code is structured into nine principles:
- Production
- Transportation
- Handling and Storage
- Operations
- Decommissioning
- Worker Safety
- Emergency Response
- Training
- Dialogue and Disclosure
Each principle is broken into Standards of Practice, which are further divided into questions, with a total of 122 questions across the Code. Sites must provide documentation to demonstrate compliance with each.
Preparing for Certification: The Gap Analysis
For most sites, the journey begins with a gap analysis or pre-audit. Auditors assess how well the site currently conforms to the Cyanide Code and identify areas for improvement. Unlike a full audit, this pre-assessment also helps develop an action plan to address any deficiencies found.
Once the site feels confident in its readiness, it moves forward with a full certification audit. The process involves securing both a Lead and Technical Auditor and notifying the International Cyanide Management Institute (ICMI) 60 days before the audit. During the audit, which typically lasts 5 to 10 days depending on the site’s complexity, auditors will conduct interviews and evaluate the operation spanning the last three years.
Audit Outcomes: How Sites are Evaluated
Audit questions are rated in one of four ways:
- Not Applicable – The question doesn’t pertain to the site.
- No Compliance – Little to no effort has been made to meet the Code’s requirements, deficiencies noted present an immediate risk to people or the environment.
- Substantial Compliance – The site has made a good-faith effort but still has deficiencies that must be corrected within a year, the deficiencies are easily correctable and do not present an immediate risk to people or the environment.
- Full Compliance – The site meets the Code’s requirements completely.
It’s important to note that even one question rated as “No Compliance” will cause the entire principle it falls under to be rated similarly.
Post-Audit Process and Certification
After the audit, sites have up to 90 days to correct deficiencies before the audit report is submitted to the ICMI. If deficiencies cannot be corrected during this time, an action plan detailing how and when the deficiencies will be corrected must be submitted. If this plan isn’t completed within a year, the site may need to undergo another audit.
The audit results are submitted in two reports:
- Detailed Audit Report – For ICMI and internal use only.
- Summary Audit Report – Published on the ICMI website for public viewing.
Once the ICMI accepts the reports, they will issue a press release and list the site’s certification status online. From that point, the clock starts for recertification, which is required every three years.
How Paterson & Cooke Can Help
Navigating the path to Cyanide Code certification can be complex, but Paterson & Cooke is here to assist. With four certified technical expert auditors located in North and South America, our team has the expertise to support sites around the globe at every stage of the process.
Our services include:
- Gap analysis of cyanide facilities and management systems
- Development of action plans to address deficiencies
- Creation of cyanide management plans and procedures
- Initial certification and recertification audits
- After-audit support to help achieve compliance
With backgrounds in mineral process design, plant operations, auditing, and emergency response, Paterson & Cooke’s auditors are well-equipped to guide you through the entire certification process. From pre-audit preparation to post-audit corrective actions.
Show the world your commitment to safe cyanide management by partnering with Paterson & Cooke on your path to Cyanide Code certification.
View our International Cyanide Management Code brochure or read more about Paterson & Cooke’s mineral processing expertise.
B.Sc Chemistry, MBA (Operations Management)
Chase is a Senior Process Engineer at Paterson & Cooke with over 15 years of experience in the mining industry, in both consulting and operations. He has direct operational experience in comminution, gold/copper flotation, copper SXEW, gold/silver heap leach, copper heap leach, CIC, CIP, and refining.
His certifications include MMSA Qualified Professional – Metallurgy/Processing and Technical Expert Auditor for the International Cyanide Management Code.