RESPONSIBILITY TO THE
ENVIRONMENT
RESPONSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
We are committed to developing our operations with complete responsibility, focusing on strategic objectives that allow efficient natural resource management and environmental protection.
Our strategic objectives include the following:
BIODIVERSITY
We understand the importance of protecting and caring for the environment, focusing mainly on biodiversity. To this end, extensive and in-depth studies have been carried out that have allowed us to understand the biotic components in the area of influence of the Project and beyond.
REPTILES
Within the project area, we have identified three species of reptiles, which are categorized in conservation status as vulnerable and rare:
-
Liolaemus rosenmanni (Rosenmanni's Lizard)
-
Liolaemus patriciaiturrae (Patricia Iturra's Lizard)
-
Liolaemus isabelae (Isabel's Lizard ).
To mitigate the effects on these species, a Rescue and Relocation Plan is proposed for the areas where they have been located along with controlled disturbance in the area of future linear works.
Commitment to safeguard and protect biodiversity
Driven by the goal of achieving a responsible execution of our activities, we propose a series of commitments to safeguard and protect biodiversity through the following measures and proposals:
-
Permanent training on protection and the importance of preserving our biodiversity
-
Promotion of a culture of sensitivity and diffusion to our workers and collaborators
-
Prohibition of gathering or hunting of any species of flora or fauna
-
Noise monitoring in the Santa Rosa lagoon
-
Visual Record of Wild Canids (foxes)
-
Monitoring of the North and South Azonal Hydrological Terrestrial Vegetation Systems (SVAHT)
-
Monitoring short-tailed chinchillas, pumas, and Andean cats through camera traps in rocky areas in the Project area
-
Fauna rescue and relocation plan
-
Controlled disturbance monitoring
WATER MANAGEMENT
Given its scarcity, water management is essential, and we are determined to ensure maximum optimization for this resource.
The potential impact on water resources has been considered from the design stage of the Fenix Gold Project. For this reason, the project does not contemplate using underground or surface water from the area, and 100% of the treated industrial water used for the process will be reused without generating liquid effluents.
Water Resource Monitoring Plan Proposal
As part of our control and follow-up proposal, we have a Water Resources Monitoring Plan to verify that the Impact Assessment was correct and thus confirm that no significant impacts are generated concerning the quality of the water resources.
This plan includes the following:
-
Monitoring of groundwater and surface water quality
-
Monitoring of groundwater levels (measurement of groundwater level and piezometers)
-
Monitoring of surface flows
-
Snow cover monitoring
-
Return to the environment the water collected downstream of the waste dump and mineral stockpiles.
AIR QUALITY
The modeling carried out for the Project concerning air quality and emissions (gases and particulate matter) indicated that emissions from the Project would be of less than the permissible value limits for the applicable standards.
To further minimize emissions, we propose the implementation of initiatives that promote greater control and efficiency in mitigation, including the following:
-
preventive maintenance of all our equipment
-
speed controls for vehicles
-
use of particulate matter suppressants
-
watering roads
Proposed Sedimentable Particulate Matter Monitoring Plan
As a control measure, we propose to monitor Sedimentable Particulate Matter (SPM).
This would be achieved by installing three (3) monitoring stations close to the Santa Rosa Lagoon, and the North and South Azonal Hydro-Terrestrial Vegetation Systems (SVAHT).
A weather station will be implemented and maintained on the Project site to register climatic parameters.
MINING WASTE MANAGEMENT
Mineral recovery process is heap leaching of oxide ore on a leach pad where the gold is recovered from the leach solution by adsorption and desorption. This process does not generate tailings.
We will have sterile waste rock deposits with modern design standards, that exceed legal and environmental requirements; our facilities have all the considerations necessary for water management, sediment management, and stability control.
Our project will not generate liquid waste from the leaching process since we contemplate reusing 100% of the process water.
Other waste will be removed and disposed of in places duly authorized by a company in charge.
We are committed to developing efficient waste management practices in strict compliance with current regulations, prioritizing >>>
3Rs
REDUCE
REUSE
RECYCLE
ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE AND TOURIST RESOURCES
In compliance with current legislation and as part of Fenix Gold's responsibility, during the preparation of the baseline study, archaeological sites outside of the project footprint were identified; these have been marked and will be protected.
Additionally and in accordance with Chilean guidelines, archeological and paleontological monitoring will be completed during earthmoving activities.
We propose implementing actions and measures that enhance accessibility to the resources and tourist attractions of the National Park and Ramsar site. We aim to contribute to their conservation and increase potential and attributes, thus encouraging tourism.
Some of our planned initiatives are:
-
Enhancement of the Tourist Resources of the Nevado Tres Cruces National Park
-
Construction of Welcome Portals to the Nevado Tres Cruces National Park
-
Digitization of Tourist Routes within the Nevado Tres Cruces National Park
-
Construction of Tourist Lookouts within the Nevado Tres Cruces National Park