The International Cyanide Management Code: Assessment as an Environmental Voluntary Code Pursuant to the ISED Framework Positioned within a Broader Environmental Governance Ecosystem

Trends in modern environmental governance indicate an expanded role for self-regulatory approaches in addressing environmental issues. This thesis aims to assess the efficacy of one environmental voluntary code in the mining industry – the International Cyanide Management Code - positioning it within a broader regulatory governance context. The study employed a mixed-methods approach consisting of a literature review, content analysis of Cyanide Code reports, and the use of a qualitative evaluation framework. The findings suggest the Cyanide Code is a robust voluntary instrument; however, some areas for improvement in terms governance, implementation, and enforcement were identified.

Recommendations to address these weaknesses draw on characteristics of other successful voluntary codes in the mining industry. Further, this study identified the presence of both collaborative and “check and balance” relationships between the Cyanide Code and other regulatory entities in the cyanide management governance ecosystem which aligns with Webb (2005)’s sustainable governance approach.