Stewardship Activities 2005 to June 2006
Materials Stewardship
This is an initiative of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM). It is an attempt to define and set guidelines and objectives for the responsible mining, production, use and recycling of materials through their life cycle. This goes considerably beyond traditional concerns (and responsibilities) for operations within the direct control or ownership of mining companies. The Nickel Institute is a member of ICMM and participates actively in the development of the Materials Stewardship policy.
Responsible Mining Assurance Initiative (RMAI)
The RMAI (formally known as the "Vancouver Dialogue") has its roots in a group of NGOs and motivated individuals that are trying to increase (a) the performance of the mining industry in its mining operations and (b) the transparency and credibility of that performance through third party verification and audit. The Initiative began in September 2005 and last met in Vancouver in May 2006. All parties in the Initiative - environmental and human rights NGOs and industry - are cautiously optimistic of a positive outcome. The Nickel Institute is an active participant in the RMAI.
Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices (CRJP)
The CRJP is an industry association made up of mining companies and jewellery retailers and their associations. The Nickel Institute is not a member of the CRJP but has approached that organization to discuss the use of nickel in jewellery and gold alloys with a view to avoiding the inappropriate use of nickel in consumer products intended for direct and prolonged contact with the skin.
Australia
At the moment, only the European Union has effective legislation concerning the use of nickel in consumer products intended for direct and prolonged contact with the skin. China is understood to have similar legislation but nothing is known about its enforcement. The Nickel Institute has periodically made representations to governments (particularly the USA and Canada) and is currently involved in discussions with two Australian industry associations (Jewellers Association of Australia and the Australian Gift and Housewares Association) with a view to putting in place a voluntary code of conduct that would have the effect of greatly reducing the likelihood of the sale of inappropriate jewellery items in Australia.
