Biodiversity
There are areas of rich biodiversity near several of our operations and development projects. The identification and classification of protected areas vary by jurisdiction. As a result, jurisdiction-specific and international protected areas are taken into account during baseline assessment studies that feed into the EIA. Baseline assessments of flora and fauna are conducted to identify all species present, as well as their population and habitat characteristics. As a condition of receiving the necessary permits to proceed with building a project, we must outline impact avoidance or remediation plans that are specific to each project site. Our biodiversity management plans at each site represent the criteria by which state authorities evaluate our performance. Biodiversity objectives and management plans are critical components of our site-specific environmental management systems.
In 2015, an additional in-depth study of biodiversity impacts was completed at our Kişladağ operation in partnership with Hacettepe University. Professionals from the University conducted similar studies in the region of the mine and were retained to update our evaluation of biodiversity impacts near Kişladağ. A report was delivered in January 2016, and no perceptible impacts on biodiversity outside of the direct mining area were detected.
Reclamation
Our approach to reclamation is centred on:
- Designing mine closure and reclamation plans, before we even begin mine construction
- Ensuring sufficient funds are allocated to carry out our reclamation obligations
- Continuously reclaiming land during operation
- Engaging with all relevant stakeholders to understand land-use objectives for reclaimed land
Before we begin production at our operations, we strip vegetal soil (topsoil and subsurface soil) from the areas where the ore will be extracted or facilities will be erected. This stripped vegetal soil is stored in designated areas and it is used later in rehabilitation activities.
In areas where we have completed mining activities, rehabilitation activities are conducted in a progressive manner over several years. We develop rehabilitation plans based on research conducted as part of baseline assessments. By starting rehabilitation efforts during the operating phase of the mine, we can improve the visual appearance of landscaping, minimize dust and help expedite the completion of mine closure.
- In 2015, 23 hectares of land were reclaimed to the agreed end use at our operations.
Planning Now for Mine Closure
Our stakeholders have made it clear that mine closure is a critical component of the mining life cycle. Mine closure planning for each of our operations begins during the project development stage, with extensive preparation going into the site’s EIA submission document. Each EIA includes a fully detailed mine closure plan to be used in the event of a planned closure, a sudden or unplanned closure, or a temporary closure (suspension). These plans begin as a concept and evolve throughout the mine’s life, through regular and critical reviews conducted both internally and externally.
Using the Mining Association of Canada’s TSM Mine Closure Framework as a guide, we consider the following areas while planning for a future mine closure:
1. Natural Environment
We strive to return disturbed areas to a stable state for post-mining land use. This includes removing all equipment, closing pits and shafts, treating all water sources as required, and revegetating waste rock facilities, tailings dams and leach pads. Wherever possible, we aim to conduct concurrent revegetation of land during the operating phase.
2. Socioeconomic Impacts
We work with local communities and host governments to implement and support strategies that mitigate impacts associated with the mine’s closure. This includes local capacity-building though economic diversification programs, education and skills development for both the local communities and our employees, and the development of subcommittees to help manage the reclamation and closure process.
3. Health and Safety
We take into account numerous health and safety considerations during both operations and the closure process. Many of our mine sites use hazardous substances, such as diesel and toxic heavy metals, or produce hazardous wastes that must be controlled to prevent exposure to the environment and public. Further, there are often vertical or near-vertical faces in the open pits following operation. Our Mine Closure Plans are designed to remove health and safety risks after a mine’s closure.
4. Financial Obligations
The aim of thorough closure planning and cost estimating is to ensure that investment, development and operating decisions take into account any potential future financial impacts. Working with our lead closure consultants, The Mines Group, we annually review the total estimated cost for closing, decommissioning, demolishing, rehabilitating and post-closure monitoring at each of our projects while complying with industry best practices and all applicable laws. Consistent with Canadian securities requirements, the accounting obligations are defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FAS 143) and adhere to all legal obligations and compliance requirements within each of our operating jurisdictions. Close collaboration between the finance and operations teams allow for annual reports on adjustments to this “Asset Retirement Obligation.”