MMK’s environmental management system passes international audit

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OJSC Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works announces that it is now one of the first companies in Russia to have its environmental management system (EMS) certified in line with the new version of the ISO 14001:2015 International Standard.

This audit was carried out by TÜV NORD CERT (Germany), a widely recognised international certifying body. Experts assessed MMK’s results in decreasing the environmental impact of the most serious environmental aspects, as well as confirmed the sufficiency of changes in EMS and its compliance with the new version of the standard. The audit programme was completed in full, with zero non-compliance recorded.

Auditors from TÜV NORD CERT met with MMK’s senior management and discussed the outlook for implementing the mill’s environmental policy and the achievements in decreasing the mill’s impact on the environment.

The audit was carried out in more than 20 of the mill’s structural departments, including the mining, coke and by-product shops, the department of the Electrical Supervisor, the slitting lines shops and steel melting shops, railway service department, as well as various functional structural departments.

Based on the results of its audit, TÜV NORD CERT provided recommendations and concluded that the environmental management system reduces and prevents the negative impact on the environment of MMK operations. It also meets the requirements of the new ISO 14001:2015 International Standard.

EMS has successfully operated since 2004. In September 2015, International Organization for Standardization (ISO) adopted a new version of the international standard ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental management systems -- Requirements with guidance for use). In 2016, ММК developed and implemented the new EMS requirements. MMK specifically focuses on environmental safety and protection.

In January 2016, MMK’s Board of Directors approved the new version of the Environmental policy which reflected the goals and responsibilities in terms of environmental protection till 2025. As a result, MMK adopted a long-term environmental program which will include investment of approximately RUB 38 bln* in environmental initiatives through 2025.

*For reference: As of 29 November 2016, the RUB/USD rate was 64.9153.