UL announced the launch of the first two mineral exploration certification programs in Canada, created in collaboration with the Quebec Mineral Exploration Association (QMEA).
UL’s adaptation of the standard enables companies to pursue certification for their mineral exploration activities and provide credible third-party verification through ECOLOGO, a globally recognized and trusted eco-labelling program.
The two programs are based on UL 2723: ECOLOGO Certification Program for Mineral Exploration Companies, and UL 2724: ECOLOGO Certification Program for Suppliers of Mineral Exploration Industry.
“The programs from UL offer mineral exploration companies and their service providers an opportunity to verify their responsible practices and their ability to reduce their impact on the environment and local communities,” said Joseph Hosey, vice president and general manager for UL in Canada. “Certification enables companies to communicate their commitment to the environment, human health, the well-being of the community, and fair economic practices to both investors and stakeholders.”
Companies can use the programs to validate their responsible business practices to the market and demonstrate increased value to financiers and investors.
Recognizing a need for a responsible approach to mineral exploration, QMEA mandated the UQAT -UQAM Chair in Mining Entrepreneurship (Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue/Université du Québec à Montréal) to develop a standard for the evaluation of mineral exploration companies and their service providers on:
- Environmental impact
- Safety of people within mineral exploration
- Well-being of local communities
- Ethical business practices
- Compliance with applicable legal requirements
- Efficient use of financial resources
Mathieu Savard, chairman of the QMEA board of directors, added, “The implementation of the mineral exploration certification programs will add value to the development of our companies. The application and improvement of environmental, social and economic practices are essential to ensure the success of a project. The data collected during the certification process will meet the responsible practice requirements of investors and project partners.”
The programs will initially launch in Quebec and will roll out to the rest of Canada and internationally soon.
To learn more about how UL helps companies to measure, demonstrate and communicate responsible practices, visit Canada.UL.com/ulcprograms/explore or email Info.Canada@ul.com.
