Three International Mineral Study Groups have been established. The International Lead and Zinc Study Group (ILZSG) was the first established, and was the role model for establishing the International Nickel Study Group (INSG) and the International Copper Study Group (ICSG). Australia has been a member of the ILZSG and the INSG since their establishment in 1959 and 1990 respectively. Australia is not a member of the ICSG, which was established in 1992. From 1 January 2006, the three mineral Study Groups were brought together under one Secretary-General and headquartered in Lisbon, Portugal.
The International Mineral Study Groups are intergovernmental organisations which regularly bring together member countries in an international forum to exchange information on each non-ferrous metal commodity. They meet twice per year in April and October, usually in Lisbon. Industry is invited to join government delegations to ensure maximum benefit from meetings.
The International Mineral Study Groups provide a unique and globally recognised source of industry statistics and consider issues relating to sustainable development, recycling and product stewardship. They also hold joint seminars on international issues impacting on each of the commodities.
The main role of the International Mineral Study Groups is to ensure transparency in the markets for each commodity worldwide. This is achieved by providing a continuous flow of information to the market place on supply and demand developments through the monthly publication of high quality statistics, and in depth economic studies. Also published by commodity are worldwide facility directories and country environmental regulations. The International Mineral Study Groups regularly bring together industry and governments to discuss matters of concern in the mineral commodity sectors.