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Environmental Protection
Banro's policy on environmental protection is contained within the Business Conduct Policy, which clearly states the Company's belief that effectiveness in environmental standards, along with occupational health and safety, is an essential part of achieving efficiency and profitability in the mineral exploration business. Banro will therefore work at continuous improvement in these areas and will be guided by the following principles:
- creating a safe work environment;
- minimizing the environmental impacts of its activities;
- building cooperative working relationships with local communities and governments in the Company's areas of operations
- reviewing and monitoring environmental and safety performance; and
- prompt and effective response to any environmental and safety concerns.
Banro adheres to the E3 Environmental Excellence in Exploration guidelines, which was developed by the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada and is considered to be the guiding standard for environmental protection in the mineral exploration business.
In developing the Twangiza mine, the Company is working to international best practices in environmental appraisal. SRK Consulting (South Africa) (Pty.) Ltd. was contracted to develop an Equator Principles 2-compliant environmental and social impact assessment report (ESIA) and an associated environmental and social impact mitigation and management plant (ESMP). In addition to covering the Equator Principles standards, the ESIA also covers DRC requirements as stated under the DRC Mining Code.
Banro's management has also taken steps to ensure that all employees and suppliers respect and adhere to the laws of the DRC with respect to the protection of threatened and endangered species. All employees and contract workers are briefed on this matter and understand that the purchase, sale or possession or the causing of harm to any animal which belongs to a threatened or endangered species can be grounds for immediate dismissal.
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