We appreciate the opportunity to provide information about the social and environmental performance of our Didipio Gold and Copper Mine in the Philippines in response to the report recently published by the Institute for Policy Studies and MiningWatch Canada...

In 2018, we commenced a two-year effort to enhance Human Rights respect and performance in the business, including training for executive leadership, our Board, management teams and staff, and a human rights due diligence process conducted across our global operations. We are implementing this due diligence process in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

The Didipio Mine regularly engages with local communities to collaborate on social development initiatives, address community questions and concerns about our operations, and listen to feedback on how to improve our performance. We have regular community meetings, and a community-based office through which community members can raise concerns and be provided feedback. We also have a confidential whistle-blower hotline service, managed by Deloitte, through which anyone can report concerns relating to non-compliance with our corporate Code of Conduct. 

We have received complaints from some community members regarding surface rights acquisition and other land related issues. Didipio has an established complaints process for community members to discuss and seek a collective resolution of these concerns. Where the company and the complainant are not able to resolve the issue, the process is moved to a Panel of Arbitrators as set out in the Philippine Mining Act of 1995...

From 2014 – 2017, Didipio invested US$18.5 million in 11 communities adjacent to the mine in the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino. This includes US$11.1 million in voluntary initiatives in collaboration with communities and government to support agricultural development, skills training, education, health, small business development and infrastructure improvement. The remaining US$7.4 million makes up the Social Development and Management Program (SDMP), mandated by the Philippines Mining Law, which requires 1.5% of the mine’s annual operating costs to be invested in designated social programs...