Mining and Energy
Many of the challenges and issues that we see in other industries, such as Advanced Manufacturing, also pertain to the Mining and Energy sectors.
Yordas identifies three key issues for these sectors in the coming years, which will have effects on the kind of services needed to achieve these priorities:
Regulation
Streamlining and efficiency are also applied to navigating regulations. The global regulation of chemicals is increasingly complex and adds significant risk for companies, who must manage a constantly shifting situation. Some regulations have become ‘best practice’ and are being applied even in areas outside of their jurisdiction, as seen with OSPAR (the mechanism by which 15 Governments & the EU cooperate to protect the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic).
Social Licence to Operate (SLO)
Across the supply chain and stakeholders, including consumers, the industries are becoming more connected and more transparent. There is a general consensus that the extractive industries must do better. One way that this is evident is in the way that the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals have filtered down to these sectors, particularly through stakeholder engagement and the concept of social licence. We also see the influence of a social agenda in regulatory initiatives such as the global regulations around conflict minerals.
Sustainability
The transition to a low-carbon economy is driving changes across these industries. Concerns around leaching and recovery of water, energy and waste minerals, as well as more efficient use of energy and water are changing processes. As many of the chemicals used in the Mining and Energy processes may be harmful to human and environmental health, regulations around their use continue to be tightened. These issues are spurring the need for Green chemistry substitutions, independent assessments of (eco)toxicology studies, and mine-to-mill holistic approaches and assessments, including Life Cycle assessments and management standards for everything from environmental and energy management to quality management.
How Can We Help?
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Yordas offers comprehensive services to the mining, oil and gas industries at all project stages, from the exploration and concept development phase to decommissioning. As a leading global provider of scientific, environmental and regulatory consulting services, we support our clients in achieving and maintaining regulatory compliance, managing business risks and developing projects in a sustainable manner.
As a strategic partner, Yordas is focused on adding value throughout the lifecycle of a project. Our team of experts understands your specific regulatory requirements and we recognise that safety, efficiency and reliability are your top priorities.
We are experienced in the mining, oil and gas sectors and offer a range of services to help assess and mitigate environmental and social impacts, engage with stakeholders, and meet regulatory compliance. Through our network of global partners, we can support projects and provide in-country resources in most areas around the globe.
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The regulation of the offshore oil and gas sector is complex and provides an interesting case in point as while the regulations described here are specific to the North-East Atlantic, they are increasingly becoming a driver for best practice in other parts of the world.
Chemicals used in the exploration, exploitation and associated offshore processing of petroleum in the North Sea are required to be registered under the Harmonised Mandatory Control System (HMCS) for the Use and Discharge of Offshore Chemicals (OSPAR Decision 2000/2).
Companies are required to submit a Harmonised Offshore Chemical Notification Form (HOCNF) to notify chemical products that will be used or discharged in the marine environment.
The HOCNF submission must include hazard data derived using OSPAR approved test protocols relating to:
Marine toxicity
Marine biodegradation
Bioaccumulation
In addition to submitting the HOCNF, companies registering chemicals under HMSC need to demonstrate compliance under REACH.
Our team of experts can assist you with the preparation of the HOCNF submission for chemical use and discharge in the North Sea. We can complete a data gap analysis, develop testing strategies, facilitate communication with the Competent Authorities and assess REACH compliance as part of the preparation of your HOCNF submission. We understand the challenges that the chemical industry is facing to meet regulatory compliance and we can provide the adequate support you need to guide you through the process.
Our experts have years of experience with HMCS and REACH and can provide the required expert scientific advice and policy support on hazard and risk assessments for offshore chemicals.
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Gain personalized insights and expert guidance tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're navigating global regulatory changes, managing hazard communications, or ensuring chemical compliance, our team is committed to providing the support and solutions you need to stay ahead. Let us help you tackle today’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities.
