The International Cyanide Management Code for the Manufacture, Transport and Use of Cyanide in the Production of Gold (Cyanide Code) is a voluntary industry programme for the gold mining industry that promotes the responsible management of cyanide. AngloGold Ashanti is committed to ensuring that all of its metallurgical operations are certified under the Cyanide Code.
The management and disposal of potentially hazardous materials used in or generated as a result of gold production requires special attention. Our chemical and waste management standards address the management of risks arising from the use of hazardous materials and cover topics including waste avoidance, reduction, reuse, recycling, treatment and disposal.
The use of cyanide by the gold mining industry has been a significant source of stakeholder concern since its introduction and cyanide is carefully managed at AngloGold Ashanti operations. We are a signatory to the International Cyanide Management Code which supports the responsible use, transportation and disposal of cyanide in gold mining, enhances measures for the protection of human health, and reduces the potential for environmental impacts.
As a signatory to the code, our operations are audited by independent third parties to ensure compliance. The results of these audits are publicly available to inform stakeholders of the status of cyanide management practices at certified operations. Currently 16 of the 19 operations using cyanide are certified as compliant to the cyanide code.
In 2011, Cerro Vanguardia, in Argentina, was certified as fully compliant. The Great Noligwa and Savuka Gold Plants in South Africa were recertified to the code, as certification is valid for three years. Operations still to complete cyanide code certification are the Geita mine in Tanzania and Obuasi and Iduapriem in Ghana.
For further information, please visit www.cyanidecode.org.