Polymetal signs up to Cyanide Management Code

The FTSE 250 firm said that, as signatory to the code, it aims to improve the safe transport, storage and use of cyanide in the production of gold to protect human health and reduce the potential of environmental impacts.

“Therefore, Polymetal commits itself to following the code’s principles, implementing its standards of practice and being audited against the code by third-party auditors within three years of its initial application, and every three years thereafter,” Polymetal’s board said in a statement.

“The first operation to be certified under the Cyanide Code will be the company’s Amursk POX plant.”

Polymetal said the principles and standards of the International Cyanide Management Code are regarded as industry best practices, having been developed as a voluntary industry programme under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme and a multi-stakeholder steering committee.

The code is intended to complement an operation’s existing obligation to comply with the applicable laws and regulations of the political jurisdiction in which the operation is located, it added.

“I am proud to report that Polymetal is joining the Cyanide Management Code,” commented chief executive officer Vitaly Nesis.

“This is yet another step on our roadmap to implement international best practices across all areas of sustainable development.”