Many materials produced or used in the mining and minerals processing industry are classified as hazardous according to the Globally Harmonized Classification System (GHS). The correct classification of these materials is therefore imperative to properly manage any potential health and environmental risks and ensure compliance with relevant legislative requirements[1], [2].
Davoren Environmental have significant experience working with the mining industry to conduct hazard assessments on a wide range of materials for classification against relevant transport codes[3].  Some of the materials assessed include:

• Bauxite, alumina and aluminium
• Coal
• Copper
• Iron Ore
• Lead
• Mineral Sands
• Nickel

In addition to the materials listed above we also conduct hazard assessment and classification of industry by-products (e.g. carbon filter cakes) for subsequent transport compliance for resource recovery.

Our aim is to make the hazard assessment and classification process as simple and tailored as possible by:

1. Consulting with the client to:
  a. Fully understand the material’s physical/chemical characteristics to identify the relevant hazards that apply, and consequently the applicable tests that need to be conducted; and
   b. Confirming how this material will be transported to identify relevant legislation to be addressed.
2. Coordinate and manage this testing directly with laboratory;
3. Compile a comprehensive classification report based on results of 1 and 2 above which will clearly detail the hazard assessment and classification of the material against applicable transport regulations.
 
Want More Information?
For further information on how we can assist your company with transport compliance requirements please contact Davoren Environmental  maria@davorenenvironmental.com.au


[1] ICMM, 2014. Hazard Assessment of Ores and Concentrates for Marine Transport.

[2] Australian Government, 2016. Hazardous Material Management: Leading Practice Sustainable Development Program for the Mining Industry.

[3] Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (ADG) in Australia; International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code for maritime transport of packaged dangerous goods, including substances, mixtures and articles; and the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code and International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL Annex V) for shipment of solid bulk cargoes.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued two recent exemptions in respect of assessing the corrosive properties of solid bulk cargoes.

AMSA issued EX5450 on the 19th of December 2016, which allows shippers of the following solid bulk cargoes

1. IRON ORE and IRON ORE FINES
2. COAL
3. BAUXITE

to use an alternative method for evaluation of the localised corrosive properties of these cargoes for Materials Hazardous in Bulk (MHB) classification.

What does the exemption mean?
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The exemption means that producers and shippers of the above listed cargoes may use the standard DIN 50 929 Part 3[1] as an alternative method to evaluate localised corrosion of these cargoes. The rate of uniform corrosion shall still be evaluated using the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, part III, Section 37 Test C.1 and as prescribed in Section 9.2.3.7.3 in the IMSBC Code, inclusive of the 03-15 amendments. This exemption replaces previously issued EX5389 which is now revoked and was specifically for IRON ORE and IRON ORE FINES only.

EX5451 was issued on the 21st of December 2016 and allows shippers of the following solid bulk cargoes

1. METAL SULPHIDE CONCENTRATES
2. MINERAL CONCENTRATES

to use a modification of the Test C.1 method for evaluation of the corrosive properties (uniform and localised) of these cargoes.

What are the modifications?

The main change is the use of steel coupons only which are considered to be more representative of ships’ structures. Other notable amendments in the modified test are the sealing of the test container to prevent air exchange, a specified air to solids ratio and more prescriptive guidance on sample introduction and compaction within the test container.

For further information for assessment of localised corrosion according to DIN 50 929 Part 3 (EX5450) or the modified Test C.1 (EX5451) or for any other maritime transport compliance query please contact Davoren Environmental  maria@davorenenvironmental.com.au.

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[1] Corrosion of metals; probability of corrosion of metallic materials when subject to corrosion from the outside; buried and underwater pipelines and structural components. September 1985.
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On 9th June 2016, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) issued an Exemption allowing for shippers of IRON ORE and IRON ORE FINES to use an alternative method for evaluation of the localised corrosive properties of these cargoes for Material Hazardous in Bulk (MHB) classification.