Safety, Health & Environment

Koidu Holdings understands the importance of creating sustainable development by the integration of social, economic and environmental factors into planning, implementation and decision making. Through ongoing communication, education and training, we aim to elevate the skills levels of our employees and to stimulate creative and entrepreneurial thinking amongst the community so that the local economy will benefit from our presence and, when the mine finally reaches the end of its life, the community will be well equipped to continue with other endeavors.

Safety Policy

Our strong commitment to safety has resulted in a zero fatality record and peace of mind for our people.

Safety is a priority and we are proud to report that the mine has a zero fatality record relating to its mining activities. By adopting the strictest health and safety standards from the South African mining industry, Koidu Holdings has mastered the pioneering technique of vertical pit mining, a world first on a kimberlite pipe and only the second of its kind in history.

Koidu Holdings is committed to the maintenance of a zero accident working environment, safe and free from all health and safety hazards and risks. All employees, property and environment are important to the Company and the Company recognizes that every worker has a right to life and wellbeing. This is a common goal to which the Company is committed and believes that it can only be achieved through dedicated involvement by all.

Koidu Holdings will constantly strive to provide a healthy and safe working environment through appropriate structures and processes to achieve these goals. We audit safety and health on a regular basis and take whatever steps are necessary to reduce or eliminate risks.

A high degree of safety awareness has been developed and employees are kept informed of the Company's measured performance in safety and health management. As individuals everyone has the right and obligation to stop and correct unsafe acts or conditions.

A Safety Committee has been established, consisting of senior management, a Department of Mines Safety Officer, and safety representatives from each department. Risk based procedures have been drafted by each department for all functions on the mine. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is supplied to each employee and visitor on the mine.

Commissioning of Social and Environmental Assessments

In May 2003, prior to commencement of development of the Koidu Kimberlite Project, Koidu Holdings commissioned local CEMMATS Group Ltd and international environmental agency Digby Wells and Associates to undertake the following:

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
Resettlement Action Plan (RAP)
Community Development Action Plan (CDAP) and
Public Consultation and Disclosure Process (PCDP)

Guided by the Environmental Protection Act (2000) and World Bank guidelines, Koidu Holdings and its environmental consultants undertook detailed environmental and socio-economic surveys, which were integrated into a three volume report on the impacts, alternatives and socio-economic development opportunities arising from the mining of the Koidu kimberlite pipes.

Being sensitive to the environmental issues from the outset Koidu Holdings approached DWA to work with local environmentalists CEMMATS, to ensure that the standard of work produced would be internationally recognised and that all the correct procedures were adhered to.

The objectives and management actions for the construction, operational and decommissioning phases of the mine were detailed in the Environmental Management Plan, to which the Company ensures strict adherence.

Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Policy

The following objectives and strategies form the basis of our safety, health and environment (SHE) policy:

Promote the education, training and motivation of employees to raise their environmental awareness.
Conduct all activities in an environmentally responsible manner.
Establish environmental management systems on all operations, which include environmental auditing, and monitor these systems.
Ensure compliance with regulatory standards, environmental legislation, company policies and philosophy, by means of environmental auditing.
Develop and maintain positive relationships with employees and all affected neighbours, government departments and the public.

For the effective implementation of our environmental policy, the following strategy is adopted:

Include environmental impact assessments and environmental management programs with all new projects on proposed or existing operations.
Integrate waste management, waste reduction and pollution control with all operations.
Develop awareness of environmental trends and technological approaches to minimize negative impacts and implement viable alternatives.
Conserve natural resources, including habitats and ecosystems, by proper stewardship.
Effectively utilize energy and water resources.
Regularly monitor air, water and soil pollution and assess residual risk.
Contribute to the development of policies, legislation and regulations which impact on the environment.
Rehabilitate, where practicable, areas disturbed by operations on an on-going phased basis.
Identify and involve all interested and affected stakeholders

Far Left

Orange overalls and other safety-minded practices are part of our culture. Employees are trained and informed about safety and environmental matters.

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Good channels of dialogue with the Government of Sierra Leone are essential. Political leaders are kept abreast of developments at the mine and the needs of the peole are part of our decision making process.

Challenges

Operating in an environmentally conscious and socially responsible manner in Sierra Leone has many challenges, most of which arise from the level of poverty, illiteracy, lack of development and infrastructure experienced by the communities affected by mining activities.

As predicted in the Environmental Impact Assessments, the boom in Koidu stemming from the cash flow into the local economy has attracted many opportunists. The gap in earnings between the employees of Koidu Holdings and those attempting to generate their own income causes animosity, often which is targeted at the Company by the lesser privileged.

As is common in such disadvantaged societies, expectations are not in line with what can be realistically achieved. Managing these expectations and helping the community understand the scale and time frame of benefits to flow from the operation is one of the most significant challenges we face.

Careful and consistent adherence to international best practices and corporate governance is a most effective tool in managing this type of operating environment.