Environmental Principles
NorZinc Limited subscribes to the exploration practices as outlined in the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Environmental Excellence in Exploration (e3). In summary, e3 seeks to support environmental stewardship in the exploration stage of global mineral development by encouraging the implementation of sound environmental management practices by the exploration community, its contractors and subcontractors, and by promoting the awareness of all stakeholders.
A consortium of leading mining companies conceived the e3 project. They approached the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) to coordinate the project on behalf of the global industry.
The PDAC believes that exploration crews act as ambassadors for the global mining community. Thus, it is imperative to manage the environmental aspects of exploration properly in order to demonstrate the international mining sector’s commitment to environmentally responsible exploration and mining.
Furthermore, we believe that by following e3’s good practices, the company’s performance will promote goodwill and will thus reduce the potential for disagreements.
As a member of the Mining Association of Canada (MAC), NorZinc Limited has adopted MAC’s “Towards Sustainable Mining, Guiding Principles”, as outlined below:
Towards Sustainable Mining Guiding Principles
As members of the Mining Association of Canada, our role is to responsibly meet society’s needs for minerals, metals and energy products. To achieve this, we engage in the exploration, discovery, development, production, distribution and recycling of these products. We believe that our opportunities to contribute to and thrive in the economies in which we operate must be earned through a demonstrated commitment to sustainable development.
Accordingly, our actions must demonstrate a responsible approach to social, economic and environmental performance that is aligned with the evolving priorities of our communities of interest. Our actions must reflect a broad spectrum of values that we share with our employees and communities of interest, including honesty, transparency and integrity, and they must underscore our ongoing efforts to protect our employees, communities, customers and the natural environment.
We will demonstrate leadership by:
- Involving communities of interest in the design and implementation of the “Towards Sustainable Mining” initiative;
- proactively seeking, engaging and supporting dialogue regarding our operations;
- fostering leadership throughout our company to achieve sustainable resource stewardship wherever we operate;
- conducting all facets of our business with excellence, transparency and accountability;
- protecting the health and safety of our employees, contractors and communities;
- contributing to global initiatives to promote the production, use and recycling of metals and minerals in a safe and environmentally responsible manner;
- seeking to minimize the impact of our operations on the environment and bio diversity, through all stages of development, from exploration to closure;
- working with our communities of interest to address legacy issues, such as orphaned and abandoned mines; and
- practicing continuous improvement through the application of new technology, innovation and best practices in all facets of our operations.
In all aspects of our business and operations, we will:
- Respect human rights and treat those with whom we deal fairly and with dignity;
- respect the cultures, customs and values of people with whom our operations interact;
- recognize and respect the unique role, contribution and concerns of Aboriginal peoples (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) and indigenous peoples worldwide;
- obtain and maintain business through ethical conduct;
- comply with all laws and regulations in each country where we operate and apply the standards reflecting our adherence to these Guiding Principles and our adherence to best international practices;
- support the capability of communities to participate in opportunities provided by new mining projects and existing operations;
- be responsive to community priorities, needs and interests through all stages of mining exploration, development, operations and closure; and
- provide lasting benefits to local communities through self-sustaining programs to enhance the economic, environmental, social, educational and health care standards they enjoy.
Further information on Towards Sustainable Mining is found on the MAC Website at the following link: www.mining.ca/