Principles and policies
"Our goal is to create long-term value through the ethical
and responsible extraction of mineral resources and production of
metals. We work in cooperation with all stakeholders and believe in
transparency and accountability in all our activities."
- Extract from Katanga Mining Limited Sustainable
Development Policy
We believe that managing an efficient and profitable mining operation and contributing to the national economy of the Democratic Republic of Congo through the payment of taxes and royalties will generate the greatest long-term benefit to the country.
On a local level, we support the social infrastructure of the communities surrounding our operations in order to create a platform for long-term, sustainable improvements in their day-to-day lives.
As at the end of 2007, we have already invested close to US $20 million in community projects, focusing on improvements in healthcare, education, infrastructure and economic diversification.
This is in addition to the economic benefits generated through salaries, taxes, locally purchased goods and services and the other economic multipliers that accompany our operations.
Governance
The Katanga Mining Limited Board of Directors is taking an increasingly active role in sustainability governance. In 2007, the Board approved a Sustainable Development Policy (PDF, 32K, opens in a new window) for the company.
Our sustainability policies and procedures reference international codes and standards, including the Voluntary Principles for Security and Human Rights and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. We are moving towards compliance with IFC Performance Standards.
Stakeholder engagement
In 2007, as part of an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), we consulted extensively with government authorities, traditional chiefs, non-governmental organizations, community groups and other mining companies to ascertain the concerns and expectations of these stakeholder groups regarding our development plans. Feedback gathered in these meetings is being utilized to plan and prioritize our social programs.
To ensure that communication channels remain open, an ongoing consultation process has been established to see that stakeholders have ready access to our social development teams; in addition, a grievance mechanism has been put in place to address community concerns and complaints quickly and effectively.
