An Update On ISO 14000 EMS: Application, If Any, To The Mining Industry

ISO 14000 series are voluntary international standards that address environmental management system standards, environmental auditing, environmental labeling, environmental performance evaluation, and life-cycle assessment. An environmental management system (EMS) is a facet of an organization's structure that addresses the immediate and long-term impact of a company's products, services, and processes on the environment. Many companies in the United States are taking a cautious wait-and-see approach before embracing ISO 14000. A few mining companies are reviewing the standards and using them as guidelines. The paper outlines the status, possible benefits to the mining industry, and options available to a company wanting to become involved in the ISO 14000 standards.