Classification and labelling of metals
Through Rio Tinto's public policy engagement we seek to develop and promote scientifically valid methods to best describe metals' and minerals' characteristics and to assess the real risks to environment or human health from their production and use.
Much of the information used by Rio Tinto for classification is obtained through research by industry and commodity associations such as the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), Eurometaux, the International Copper Association, International Molybdenum Association and the European Aluminium Association.
Specific examples of work that has been undertaken for regulatory and public policy developments include:
- The European copper industry, after discussion with the European Union (EU), has begun a voluntary risk assessment of the health and environmental effects of copper. This assessment has also produced data which allows for the classification of copper and copper products.
- An extensive report has been prepared in conjunction with the industry association Eurometaux on deriving PNECs (predicted no effect concentrations) for metals with aquatic organisms for use in EU risk assessments and setting water quality criteria;
- A research project is under way in conjunction with the International Copper Association, the International Lead-Zinc Research Organisation, the Nickel Producers Environmental Research Association (NiPERA), Borax, and the Cobalt Development Association to develop an alternative hazard identification approach other than PBT (persistence, bioaccumulation, toxicity) for metals and metal compounds. An approach has been developed and a report is available along with a publication on metal hazard assessment.
- A major project was finalized in 2005 with Eurometaux, ICMM and EU member countries to rewrite the EU Technical Guidance Document for metal ecological risk assessments. A similar project on human health began in 2005 and is expected to finish in 2006.
Data were developed for classification of iron sulphate in 2004 and the dossier was reviewed by the EU Classification and Labelling Committee. It was decided that iron sulphate did not need classification for the aquatic environment. It was classified as a mild eye irritant.
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