Contact:

Nancy Wollam, (979) 415-1515

Vice President of Public Relations and Government Affairs

Gulf Chemical & Metallurgical Corporation

April 18, 2011

Gulf Chemical Earns Environmental Management Certification

Certification Award is Another Milestone in Gulf’s Continuing Efforts to Improve Environmental Performance

FREEPORT, TX – Gulf Chemical & Metallurgical Corp. (GCMC), the world’s largest recycler of spent petroleum refinery catalysts, today announced that it has obtained International Organization for Standardization 14001 Certification (ISO 14001:2004), the globally accepted international standard for environmental management systems.

“This accreditation marks a significant milestone in our continuing efforts to improve the environmental performance of the plant,” said Robert Stephan, GCMC’s Executive Vice President of Operations. “The certification is a testament to our renewed commitment to environmental stewardship, and continuous improvements throughout the organization.”

The Freeport plant was audited by ABS Quality Evaluations, Inc., an independent, accredited third-party registrar, and was required to fulfill specific requirements.  In addition to multiple onsite audits by ABS, GCMC was required to demonstrate best management practices through site assessments, internal audits and document control. The facility was also required to develop a rigorous, cross-functional corrective action review process which encourages all departments to collaborate when recommendations for improvement are made, Stephan said.

In addition to the ISO certification award, GCMC also is moving forward its planned $50 million in environmental upgrades throughout its Freeport plant.

The environmental services management company has been, for many years, the world’s largest recycler of spent petroleum catalysts, giving an economical and sustainable choice for oil companies to recycle their used catalyst, rather than sending it to a landfill or foreign country where environmental regulations are not as strict.

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About Gulf Chemical & Metallurgical Corporation

Gulf Chemical & Metallurgical Corporation, the world’s largest recycler of spent petroleum catalysts and a leading producer of ferroalloys, has been in business since 1946. The plant recovers molybdenum, vanadium, nickel, cobalt and various alumina products to be sold and reused in chemical and metallurgical applications. This reclaiming process reduces the need for mining, conserves natural resources and converts a waste material into a raw material. Its spent catalyst customers include every major refinery and its finished products are sold to all the major catalyst producers and steel manufacturers. Through its expertise, GCMC strives to strike a balance between industry and nature and is committed to sustainable development and product stewardship. For more information on GCMC, its products and facilities, visit www.eramet-gulf.com.