Resource World Magazine

38 www.resourceworld.com a p r i l / m a y 2 0 1 5 MINING G enerally, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) isn't associ- ated with a mining sector that has a chequered history. For an exploration- project-generator style junior, it is all but unheard of in Southeast Asia. Angkor Gold Corp. [ANK-TSXV] is a Canadian exploration company with the goal of establishing a responsible, sustainable business model to benefit a developing nation with untapped poten- tial – while setting a positive example for other mining companies. Angkor Gold's focus begins with its gold projects in Cambodia and its people. The company surpasses international vol- untary frameworks for "Free Prior and Informed Consent" (FPIC) to benefit stake- holders beyond its geological footprint. Angkor Gold has over 1,400 km 2 of mineral concessions in the provinces of Ratanakiri and Mondulkuri in northeast Cambodia. Along with exploration plans, there are four overriding responsibilities Angkor considers: local villages, the NGO society, the Cambodian mining industry itself and government at all levels. Stakeholder groups have diverse needs; balancing them requires listening, insight and negotiation. Of course, it's impossible to give everyone everything they need or want; however, understanding Cambodia is its core asset and helping to draft new mining codes, HSE guidelines, and indus- trial standards are part of building an ethical industry. The company aligns its views with those like the Devonshire Initiative, and other small but forward thinking compa- nies, like Rakai Resources working in Uganda. According to their website, the Devonshire Initiative is a forum for lead- ing international development NGOs and mining companies to come together in response to the emerging social agenda surrounding mining and community development issues. Relatively new to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), Cambodia is booming and open for business. Yet its people remain among Southeast Asia's poorest, so addressing land and license tenure as well as human rights is crucial. One of Cambodia's stron- gest assets is its young workforce, so educating that workforce can only help the country advance. To this end, Angkor Gold provides technical training. Its work- force can exceed 150 at peak dry season with 140 Cambodian workers each gaining new skills. Angkor Gold also offers specialty edu- cational offerings that include a training centre for 240 youth to acquire English and computer skills. Health is critical as well and the company has recruited nurses and midwives to bring education and nutritional awareness to villagers, from primary school students to adults. Angkor is also establishing test crops that enable indigenous farmers to better cultivate cash crops like peppercorn, chili peppers, papa- yas and cashews. True CSR goes beyond charity. In the end, build all the schools and clinics you want, but without ensuring that the com- munity takes ownership, it's for nothing. Only now are institutional investors beginning to appreciate this reality – if only in pure risk mitigation terms. Angkor sees this as an opportunity and is courting non-traditional funders who see individ- ual companies like Angkor as mechanisms for worldwide change. The company is seeking out innovators, philanthropists, ethical funds and social impact investors to enhance its initiatives. Other exploration and mining compa- nies also take CSR seriously. During 2013, Tahoe Resources Inc. [THO-TSX; TAHO- NYSE] spent $2 million on CSR programs that included building infrastructure to support schools, roads and water; schol- arships and student support; coffee and agriculture programs; health and nutrition programs; reforestation; community and sports events; and vocational education in Guatemala. Diamcor Mining Inc. [DMI- TSXV] has a formal joint venture partnership with South African Black Economic Empowerment group Nozala Investments (Pty) Ltd. with Diamcor hold- ing a 70% direct ownership in the DMI Minerals subsidiary and Nozala acquiring a 30% interest. About 40% of Diamcor's employees are women. endeavour silver Corp. [EDR-TSX; EXK-NYSE], which operates several mines and other projects in Mexico, provides safety and health training to employees, engages in continuous dialogue with local communities to minimize any impact of its operations with its environment protection policy. True Gold Mining Inc. [TGM-TSXV] has a CSR team at its Karma gold project in Burkina Faso, West Africa. The team has engaged the local communities in dis- cussions and feedback regarding plans to develop the project and how it might affect them. Assistance is also provided by local and international experts. The CSR initiatives are conducted to World Bank, International Finance Corp. and Burkina Faso standards that encompass community development, health and safety, employ- ment and training, preservation of cultural CORPORATE SOCIAl RESPONSIBIlITy: an integral part of the mining sector by Delayne Weeks, Vice President for CSR, Angkor Gold Corp., and Staff Writer

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