Calibre Mining (TSX: CXB) (OTCQX: CXBMF) recorded zero high-risk reportable environmental incidents in 2022, in line with its ESG commitments.
The company published its 2022 Sustainability Report on Tuesday outlining the company’s progress and achievements and providing guidance for its environmental, social and governance performance.
In 2022, the company achieved record production for the third consecutive year. Calibre’s heightened emphasis on sustainability practices and its strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance ensured that these achievements are accomplished in an ethical, transparent, accountable, and respectful manner, while also safeguarding the rights of all stakeholders involved.
“At Calibre, we recognize our responsibility to conduct operations in a manner that is both sustainable and socially conscious,” said Darren Hall, president and CEO.
“Our commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible practices is a core value and is fundamental to our business model.”
Calibre places significant emphasis on responsible practices that prioritize the support and promotion of human rights, while actively working to avoid contributing to conflicts. In 2022, the company enlisted the expertise of a reputable third-party consulting firm to conduct a comprehensive human rights impact assessment of its operations in Nicaragua.
The assessment followed a methodology aligned with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, as well as the Danish Institute for Human Rights HRIA Guidance. In response to the assessment’s recommendations, Calibre developed a comprehensive management plan aimed at addressing the most salient risks. The objective of this plan is to ensure that the company’s business activities neither directly cause nor are complicit in any human rights abuses.
Calibre remains committed to upholding human rights and continuously strives to improve its practices in accordance with internationally recognized standards.
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Company records zero high-risk environment incidents in 2022
Calibre achieved commendable results in its environmental performance in 2022. The company significantly improved its water recycling, with 77 per cent of water being recycled compared to 46 per cent in 2021. This signifies a substantial increase in water conservation efforts. Similarly, there was a notable rise in waste recycling, with 59 per cent of waste being recycled compared to 37 per cent in the previous year, showcasing Calibre’s dedication to reducing waste and promoting circularity.
In line with its commitment to environmental conservation, Calibre planted an impressive 156,600 trees in 2022. Since 2010, the company has contributed to nationwide reforestation campaigns in Nicaragua, having planted over a million trees. This initiative plays a crucial role in mitigating deforestation, preserving biodiversity, and combatting climate change.
Calibre also achieved a significant milestone in its emissions reduction efforts. In Nicaragua, the company reported zero market-based Scope 2 emissions, ensuring that 100 per cent of the electricity it procures from the grid is certified clean energy through I-REC (International REC) certification.
This highlights Calibre’s commitment to utilizing renewable energy sources and reducing its carbon footprint.
Calibre achieved an exemplary track record in its employment practices, health and safety, and overall workplace operations during the reporting period. There were zero significant fines, violations, or incidents related to these areas, showcasing the company’s strong commitment to maintaining a safe and compliant working environment.
Additionally, there were no non-technical delays or disruptions that impacted the workplace.
The company’s dedication to local employment and community engagement is evident, with 96 per cent of its employees being nationals, and an impressive 78 per cent of them hailing from communities adjacent to or near Calibre’s operations. This approach not only contributes to local economic development but also fosters a strong sense of community involvement and empowerment.
Calibre’s focus on health and safety is reflected in its lost time injury frequency rate for 2022, which stood at 0.29. This represents a remarkable 43 per cent reduction compared to the previous year’s rate of 0.51, demonstrating the company’s continuous efforts to prioritize employee well-being and minimize workplace accidents.
The company reinforces health and safety conscious attitudes through programs like its TIME OUT FOR SAFETY week. The most recent of which was May 24, 2023, and focused on discovering and implementing methods of evaluating risks and reducing dangerous activities and practices.
Time out for safety meeting. Image via Calibre Mining.
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Calibre increased distribution to communities by 35%
In terms of economic impact, Calibre distributed a substantial amount of USD$387 million in economic value during the reporting period. This represents a significant 35 per cent increase compared to the previous year’s distribution of USD$286 million. The company’s commitment to creating economic opportunities and driving local prosperity is apparent through these results.
Furthermore, Calibre has taken a community-led approach to development by designing a comprehensive development plan for Riscos de Oro. This plan ensures that the community’s needs and aspirations are considered, empowering them to actively participate in the decision-making process and contribute to their own sustainable development.
Calibre achieved commendable results in upholding human rights and compliance with laws and regulations. Throughout the reporting period, the company had zero substantiated cases of human rights violations and no significant instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. Additionally, there were no substantiated incidents of supplier corruption, demonstrating Calibre’s commitment to ethical business practices and integrity.
Calibre prioritizes human rights considerations and conducted a comprehensive Human Rights Impact Assessment for all its assets in Nicaragua. This assessment revealed no significant findings, indicating that the company’s operations are aligned with human rights standards and guidelines.
The company also places a strong emphasis on security personnel training. In this regard, 88 per cent (245 out of 277) of all Calibre security personnel received formal training on the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights. This training ensures that Calibre’s security personnel are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to respect human rights while carrying out their duties.
Furthermore, Calibre is committed to responsible gold mining practices and has made notable progress in implementing the World Gold Council’s Responsible Gold Mining Principles. The company published a Year-Two Progress Report on the implementation, which has undergone external assurance to ensure transparency and credibility.
Calibre’s achievements in human rights, compliance, anti-corruption measures, security personnel training, and responsible gold mining practices reflect its commitment to sustainable and ethical business operations. These efforts demonstrate the company’s dedication to upholding the highest standards and contributing positively to the communities and stakeholders it engages.
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