The International Cyanide Management Institute (ICMI) announced today that it has accepted the application of Equinox Gold to become a signatory to the International Cyanide Management Code (Cyanide Code). The Cyanide Code is a voluntary industry program for companies involved in the production of gold and silver using cyanide and companies manufacturing and transporting this cyanide. Equinox Gold operates the Mesquite Mine in the United States and the Aurizona Mine in Brazil.
By becoming a signatory, Equinox Gold commits to follow the Cyanide Code’s Principles and implement its Standards of Practice, and to have a verification audit of the Aurizona Mine conducted by independent third-party auditors within three years of its initial application. The Mesquite Mine was certified May 29, 2018 while owned by New Gold Inc. and must undergo a recertification audit within two years of its October 30 2018 acquisition by Equinox Gold. Operations will be certified if found in compliance with the Code, and may be de-certified if ICMI determines that they no longer comply with the Cyanide Code.
The Cyanide Code was developed under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme by a multi-stakeholder Steering Committee. The Cyanide 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.
ICMI has been established to administer the Cyanide Code, promote its adoption, evaluate its implementation, and manage the certification process. A detailed list of the operations covered by signatory companies’ applications, along with the full text of the Cyanide Code and its implementing and administrative documents, are available at www.cyanidecode.org.
Date:
Friday, November 1, 2019