[Sn Code] China releases draft code of conduct for tin industry

By Paul Ploumis 03 Aug 2015 Last updated at 06:02:59 GMT

BEIJING (Scrap Monster): The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has announced a draft China Tin Industry Code of Conduct which will replace the 2006 version. The new code of conduct specifies stricter licensing rules and tougher standards of operation. It also recommends phasing out of certain furnaces and restriction of energy consumption.

The new code of conduct covers seven aspects:-

a)      Enterprise Layout

b)      Quality, Process and Equipment

c)      Energy Consumption

d)     Comprehensive utilization of resources

e)      Environmental protection

f)       Production safety

g)      Regulation Management

With the implementation of the new code of conduct, companies will be required to hold mining license and safety production license. The resources utilization plan relates to the standards to be followed in mining activity. The mine capacity must exceed 60,000 tonnes per annum. Also, the mine life should be above 10 years. The production target of single tin recycling projects is being increased from 3,000 tpy of tin content to 4,000 tpy.

The new code of conduct proposes phasing out of the reverberatory furnaces by 2020. Also, fuming furnaces shall be controlled with stricter regulations. The other major recommendations include sulphur dioxide control requirements and maximum utilization of available resources. In addition, stricter environmental controls will be imposed on tin mines, smelters, processors and recycling centres across the country.

The draft code of conduct is presently open to comments from the industry.

According to ITRI, the new code of conduct would lead to consolidation of tin industry and may drive small scale players out of the industry.