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We recognise the high social impact of mining operations at the local level. Given that our success depends on the parallel success of surrounding communities, we are committed to free, prior and informed consent, fair and open negotiations, respect for the customs and culture of local communities and cooperative landowner groups (ejidos), and to being a good neighbour.
Community citizenship begins at the exploration phase of our work with outreach efforts and robust baseline studies. Agreements with landowners often include guaranteed investments in the development of basic infrastructure such as roads and water works.
Efforts at operating mines depend upon the type of community and its specific needs, distance to the operation and available services and infrastructure. Sustainability requires that our communities develop a level of self-sufficiency that will enable them to thrive for generations beyond the life of a given mine.
Most of our engagement efforts rely on partnerships with local public agencies and NGOs and are implemented through Welfare and Community Centres. Agreements can provide a means of securing long-term access to resources, lowering transaction costs and uncertainty, and reducing exposure to disputes and legal action.
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