A TRADITION OF MINING EXCELLENCE

• Red Dog Mine Story Video
• Alaska Department of Natural Resource Powerpoint on "The Process and Requirements for Large-Scale Mine Permit Applications in Alaska"
• Alaska Department of Natural Resource Red Dog Mine discussion
• List of Red Dog Permits and Regulators
• Red Dog's ISO2001 Certification
• Teck Cominco's White Paper on Community Engagement at Red Dog

In the spring of 2004, Red Dog became one of the first large-scale, open-pit mining operations in the world to have its Environmental Management System (EMS) certified as ISO14001, an internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems. The registration certificate, granted by SGS Certification Services, is a clear example of the commitment Red Dog has made to continually improve its environmental performance.

The task of implementing an EMS at Red Dog was a formidable challenge that required a significant investment of financial and human resources, including 25,000 man hours. The management system addresses all functions and operations at Red Dog, including the mining and milling of zinc and lead ore; over-the-road haulage and storage of zinc and lead concentrates, fuel and freight; operation of an open-water port facility with loading and unloading of fuel, freight and concentrates; and the operation of support facilities, including power generation, municipal potable water plants, landfills, an airport and wastewater treatment facilities. The EMS lays down a solid foundation of environmental management practices that are comprehensive, adaptable, and auditable.

ISO 14001

ISO 14001 is an international management standard that defines the overall structure and requirements of an EMS. The standard was developed and released by the International Organization for Standardization, a world-wide organization that is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Progressive companies around the globe are voluntarily adopting the standard as a business management tool to help them manage and improve their environmental performance.

Companies that want to demonstrate that their EMS conforms to the ISO14001 standard can have their EMS audited and certified as conformant to the standard by an external third-party ISO14000-accredited auditor. Red Dog's EMS was audited and certified by SGS Certification Services.

Tools for better management

Centered on the principles of continual improvement and compliance assurance, Red Dog's EMS provides a set of tools that empowers the Red Dog workforce to manage the environmental impacts of their day-to-day activities, puts in place a process to set and achieve environmental performance goals, and delivers an effective corrective action program to address irregularities.