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Precautionary Approach in Action at Pueblo Viejo

Barrick agreed to develop an offset program for the frogs in the upper Llagal Valley in the absence of full knowledge about their true conservation status.

Commitments

External Charters, Principles and Initiatives

In keeping with our commitment to social responsibility, Barrick has joined or adopted a number of voluntary codes and initiatives that address a range of economic, social and environmental issues. We recognize the importance of responding to these issues and are members of various associations / organizations or multi-stakeholder initiatives that advance the responsible mining agenda.

Organization Date of Adoption / Membership Focus
Business for Social Responsibility 2007 BSR is a US-based, not-for-profit organization focused on sustainability and business. BSR works with its global network of more than 250 member companies to develop sustainable business strategies and solutions through consulting, research and cross-sector collaboration.
Carbon Disclosure Project 2005 The CDP is an independent not-for-profit organization holding the largest database of primary corporate climate change information in the world. Thousands of organizations from across the world’s major economies measure and disclose their greenhouse gas emissions and climate change strategies through CDP; and now water management strategies through CDP-Water Disclosure.
Clinton Global Initiative 2007 Established in 2005 by President Bill Clinton, the CGI convenes global leaders to devise and implement innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. CGI gathers government officials, business leaders and non-profit directors from all over the world, creating opportunities for them to collaborate, share ideas and forge partnerships that enhance their work.
Devonshire Initiative 2007 The DI is a forum for leading Canadian international development NGOs and mining companies to come together in response to the emerging social agenda surrounding mining and community development. Members believe that a collaborative presence between the Canadian private sector and NGOs in emerging markets can be a force for positive change. The ultimate objective of the DI is improved social and community development outcomes wherever Canadian mining companies operate overseas.
Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative 2006 The EITI is a coalition of governments, companies, civil society groups, investors and international organizations. It supports improved governance in resource-rich countries by the verification and full publication of company payments and government revenues from oil, gas and mining.
Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria 2005 The GBC brings together the private sector’s special capabilities and drive for measurable results to the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
Global Reporting Initiative 2005 GRI developed the world’s most widely used sustainability reporting framework. The framework sets out the principles and indicators that organizations can use to measure their economic, environmental and social performance.
International Council on Mining & Metals 2006 The ICMM was formed by the world’s leading mining companies. ICMM members believe that by acting collectively, the mining, minerals and metals industry can best ensure its continued access to land, capital and markets as well as build trust and respect by demonstrating its ability to contribute successfully to sustainable development. As members, we are committed to implementing the ICMM Sustainable Development Framework.
International Cyanide Management Code 2005 The “International Cyanide Management Code For The Manufacture, Transport and Use of Cyanide In The Production of Gold” (the Code) is a voluntary program for the gold mining industry to promote responsible management of cyanide use in gold mining, enhance the protection of human health and reduce the potential for environmental impacts. Companies that become signatories to the Code must have their operations audited by an independent third party to demonstrate their compliance with the Code.
International Network for Acid Prevention 1998 Acid drainage is one of the most serious and potentially enduring environmental problems for the mining industry. Left unchecked, it can result in such long-term water quality impacts that it could well be this industry’s most harmful legacy. Effectively dealing with acid drainage is a formidable challenge for which no global solutions currently exist. INAP is an industry group created to help meet this challenge.
Trace International Inc. 2011 Trace International Inc. is a non-profit membership association that pools resources to provide practical and cost effective anti-bribery compliance solutions for multi-national companies and their commercial intermediaries.
Transparency International – Canada 2006 Transparency International is a global network of more than 90 national chapters to fight corruption in the national arena in a number of ways. They bring together relevant players from government, civil society, business and the media to promote transparency in elections, in public administration, in procurement and in business. TI’s global network of chapters and contacts also use advocacy campaigns to lobby governments to implement anti-corruption reforms.
United Nations Global Compact 2005 The UN Global Compact provides a framework for businesses to align their operations and strategies with 10 universally accepted Principles in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption.
Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights 2010 The Voluntary Principles were developed out of a multi-stakeholder process involving companies and NGOs as a means of providing guidance to companies in the extractive sector on maintaining the security of their operations in a manner that respects human rights and fundamental freedoms.
World Gold Council 1987 The World Gold Council is the market development organisation for the gold industry. Working within the investment, jewellery and technology sectors, as well as engaging in government affairs, its purpose is to provide industry leadership, whilst stimulating and sustaining demand for gold.

 

Precautionary Approach

We recognize that there may be significant impacts to the existing natural environment, both temporary and long-lasting, due to the presence of our mining operations. As a result, we are committed to using a precautionary approach throughout the life of a mine – from development through closure – by first assessing potential impacts, then evaluating how to avoid, control or mitigate these impacts, even when there is a lack of scientific certainty as to the likelihood or magnitude of the impacts.

NGO Relationships and Partnerships

Barrick has developed relationships and/or partnerships with a number of non-government organizations (NGOs), both local and international in order to further enhance the social and environmental benefits in the regions where we operate.

Abbot Fund (Tanzania) Malaria No More (Tanzania)
Ademi Foundation (Dominican Republic) Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (Tanzania)
Agualimpia (Peru) Nature Conservancy (USA)
Aid for AIDS in Nevada (USA) Population Service International (Tanzania)
AIDS Business Coalition (Tanzania) Porgera District Women’s Association (PNG)
América Solidaria (Chile) Porgera Environmental Advisory Komiti (PNG)
Asian Development Bank – HIV/AIDS Public Education Foundation (USA)
Association of Private Health Hospitals (Tanzania) Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (USA)
Bighorns Unlimited (USA) Rotary Australia (PNG)
Bridge2Aid (Tanzania) Search for Common Ground (Tanzania)
Canadian Council for Africa (Canada) Shidepha (Tanzania)
Children’s Book Project for Africa (Tanzania) South African Institute of International Affairs
Conservation International (PNG) Tanzania Education Authority
Council of Alaska Producers (USA) Tanzania Medical Students Association
Dar Independent Schools League (Tanzania) Tanzanian House of Talent
Ducks Unlimited (USA) Tanzania National Malaria Control Program
EnGender Health (Tanzania) Touch Foundation (Tanzania)
Fiji Women’s Crisis Center (PNG) Trout Unlimited (USA)
Habitat for Humanity (International) US Agency for International Development – USAID
Fundación Cisneros (Latin America) United Way of the Great Basin (USA)
Fundación Teletón (Chile) Un Techo para Chile
Fund for Peace (International) Un Techo para mi País (Peru)
Instituto Argentino de RSE – IARSE (Argentina) Vocational Education & Training Authority (Tanzania)
Kainantu District AIDS Council (PNG) Volunteer Surgical Missions (Australia-Tanzania)
Lake Cowal Foundation (Australia) Wild Turkey Federation (USA)
Makutano (Tanzania) World Vision Canada