Product lifecycle

Managing the sustainability of our business extends beyond the boundary of our operations. The metals we produce are used in a myriad of different products including infrastructure, electricity generation, buildings, industrial equipment, electronics, vehicles, medicines, chemicals and consumer goods, to name just a few. Metals and electricity improve the quality of life for people all around the globe.

There are also certain risks associated with the use of metals such as zinc, copper, ferrochrome, nickel, vanadium and lead. These are associated with the dispersion of metals into the environment (mainly to soils, ground waters, surface waters and into the atmosphere) and their level of bioavailability, which determines whether or not they will be harmful to ecosystems and people and accumulate in the food chain.

Because of the inherent value and long life of many metals, the majority of what is produced remains captured - partly through reuse and recycling - in the stock of human infrastructure, equipment and products. A smaller proportion ends up in landfills. A final, small fraction is dispersed back into the environment, primarily through dust emissions and runoff.

Product stewardship

We are committed to minimising the dispersions of metals back into the biosphere and reducing the environmental and health risks associated with this. Since there are many producers and users of metals, and our metals are sold into a global market place, we believe that meeting our product stewardship commitment is best done in collaboration with the other key stakeholders including governments, industry and commodity associations, the scientific community and civil society organisations.

Every one of our products has a materials safety data sheet with information on product composition, toxicology relating to human health and the environment, fire and explosion risks, handling, storage and exposure issues and recommendations for managing spills and disposal. We also inform our employees, contractors, customers and other stakeholders about the hazards and best practices for handling, transporting, using, storing and disposing of our products.

REACH

Many of our products and the chemicals we use in their production fall within the scope of the European Union’s regulation on the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH). REACH makes industry responsible for assessing and mitigating the safety risks of the chemical substances they produce and use. We comply with toxicity testing required by REACH and have completed the pre-registration phase for all relevant products and substances.

Copper

Xstrata Copper is a member of the International Copper Association (ICA) and is actively involved with its efforts to ensure copper is used safely and sustainably. Copper’s superior thermal and electrical conductivity, antimicrobial applications, combined with its 100% recyclability, make it a valuable commodity. At high concentrations, however, copper can become harmful to plants and animals so it is important to understand and mitigate the risks of copper dispersion into the environment.

The 2008 copper industry risk assessment showed that the existing legislative framework generally safeguards Europe’s environment, the health of industry workers and the general public. It suggests that with the proper awareness, management and policy frameworks, copper can be used in a sustainable manner.

Unlike many other raw materials, copper is 100% recyclable indefinitely, without any alteration or performance loss. According to recent global data, of the 24 million tonnes of copper used annually, 35% is sourced from recycled material. In Europe alone, 41% of copper used is derived from recycled materials.

Coal

With respect to coal, the primary concern is greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the burning of coal by our customers to produce competitively priced energy or iron and steel products. We acknowledge the need to reduce the GHG emissions from burning coal and we are working with others to develop the necessary technologies needed to do so.