Nonprofit organisation ICMM has published updated guidance for improving accurate hazard assessment of ores and concentrates during maritime transportation and reducing hazard-related risks. 

The ICMM, upon publishing the guidance on September 26, said hazard assessment is the critical first step to ensure goods are safely produced, transported and used, allowing for the proper management of physical, environmental and health risks throughout the supply chain.

The guidance was first published in 2014, with the new update bringing it in line with the latest regulatory changes from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). It now incorporates some of the most recent advancements in knowledge relating to hazard assessments. 

“With significant advancements in maritime regulation since the original guidance was issued, these updates will guide our members and the wider mining industry to comply with recent regulatory developments,” ICMM co-COO Aidan Davy said.

He added that the energy transition was metal intensive and would require more metals to be handled and transported safely across the world.

“This guidance will equip businesses with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of maritime transport and minimise the impact on people and planet,” Davy said.

"Maritime regulations evolve extremely quickly and this guidance remains a critical tool for the industry to navigate this very complex landscape. Having the right systems in place to protect people handling and transporting these materials, and in a way that considers the environment, is essential," ICMM working maritime regulation group chair and International Iron Metallics Association chief adviser Chris Barrington said.

ICMM said its members were committed to implementing effective risk-management strategies and systems grounded in science to ensure that minerals could be used and transported safely. 

The guidance has been developed by ICMM’s material stewardship facility, which convenes experts from across ICMM’s membership to make progress on strategic multi-metal topics such as chemicals management, life cycle management and maritime transport to enable sustained market access.