
The 2018 GA meeting which took place on Thursday 3 May 2018 in Brugge, Belgium saw an increase in attendance from 2017. Hosted by Prince-Erachem, the meeting which lasted 5 hours saw several deliberations related to the last REACH deadline and its consequences thereafter including the possible re-structuring of the consortium. Some key decisions taken by way of vote are as follows:
Some highlights:
- Future structure of Mara: A more streamline structure to be established if the organisation is to continue functioning infinitely or in the event of a complete closure its mandate and members to be incorporated within the Mn trade association –The IMnI. Discussions are still on-going
- Collaboration: A clearly defined pathway for collaboration between Mara and the IMnI was established
- Data-sharing Regulation: Approval of the reimbursement structure (to be executed in phases) in accordance with regulation 2016/9
- Approval of the 2018 workplan and budget

Manganese sulphide (EC: 242-599-3; Cas: 18820-29-6)
Submitted in 2010, with no testing proposals, manganese sulphide has not undergone any aspect of the REACH evaluation process to date.
The dossier was updated in 2016 to align with ever-changing CLP adaptations and the updated ECHA guidance on environmental classification for metals. This review led to no acute or chronic classification for the environment (See CLP Notifications).
However, from the evidence in the dossier submitted it was clear that compliance with the 90 days sub-chronic endpoint by way of a waiver was weak. It is anticipated that the study might be requested by ECHA in the near future.