Environment
Azumah Resources Ghana Limited (ARGL) ensures that the company's environmental practices are transparent, responsible, and aligned with regulatory requirements and sustainability goals.
Environmental Policy
Azumah Resources Ghana Limited will conduct its operations in a responsible manner that is aligned with the evolving priorities of our stakeholders. Our actions will reflect the broad spectrum of values that we share with our stakeholders and will promote our ongoing efforts to protect our employees, stakeholders, customers and the natural environment. Azumah's commitment to best‐practice environmental stewardship will be achieved by the following actions:
- Integrate environmental management into management practices throughout the company.
- Incorporate environmental controls for the prevention of pollution and use best management practices in all project stages from project design through to operations and closure.
- Regularly assess environmental conditions through all project stages, from project design through mine closure, thereby identifying all issues of environmental concern and establishing objectives and strategies for their management.
- Establish credible monitoring and verification programs to measure environmental effects and ensure compliance with legal requirements and with our environmental policy and communicate the results in an effective manner.
- Implement management systems to ensure that there is a continuous improvement in environmental performance through the use of the Plan‐Do‐Check‐Act model.
- Provide for the effective involvement of communities in decisions that affect them by: treating them as equals; respecting their cultures, customs and values; and considering their needs, concerns and aspirations in making our decisions.
- Provide training and resources to develop employees and build competencies related to their environmental and social responsibilities so ensuring that all employees are equipped to accept responsibility for the environment in which we operate.
Environmental Excellence
Our Commitment
Regulatory Compliance
Compliance is not just a legal obligation but a fundamental aspect of our corporate ethos. At Azumah, we go above and beyond to ensure regulatory compliance at all levels.
National and International Standards
We adhere strictly to environmental regulations and standards set by local authorities, national governments, and international bodies. Our compliance extends to esteemed standards such as:
- Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1994 (Act 490)
- Environmental Assessment and Regulations, 1999 (L.I. 1652)
- Water Resources Commission Act, 1996 (Act 522)
- Minerals Commission Act, 1993 (Act 450)
- Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2015 (Act 900) and the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995), along with the Minerals and Mining Regulations of Ghana and their subsidiary legal instruments
- IFC Performance Standards
- IFC Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines for Mining
Trust and Transparency
Our commitment to compliance fosters trust and transparency with stakeholders, demonstrating our dedication to ethical and responsible business practices. We uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct in all our interactions. Our compliance practices are guided by principles of honesty, fairness, and respect for the law.
Sustainable Development
By consistently meeting and surpassing regulatory standards, we actively contribute to sustainable development and foster a positive impact on the communities in which we operate. Our commitment to compliance extends to robust environmental protection measures, encompassing pollution prevention, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable water management in full adherence to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Water Resource Commission (WRC) guidelines.
Water Management
We understand the critical importance of water as a precious resource, and we are deeply committed to managing it effectively. Our comprehensive water management strategies focus on efficient use, recycling, reuse, and protection of water quality to minimize environmental impact and ensure sustainability.
Efficient Water Use
Through meticulous planning and management, we optimize resource allocation to minimize water wastage. Our goal is to achieve maximum operational efficiency while conserving water resources.
Recycling and Reuse
In Azumah, reusing and recycling water is essential for both operational effectiveness and environmental sustainability for the following reasons:
- Water is a precious and a scarce resource: The company gets its water from stormwater collected into existing pits and reservoirs and abstraction from the Black Volta during periods of high precipitation.
- Environmental impact: By recycling water that has already been obtained from the Black Volta and collecting stormwater, we reduce the environmental impact of our mining and exploration operations.
- Regulatory compliances: Our company complies with government regulations on water use and discharge.
Water Quality Protection
We take measures to protect water quality in surrounding areas and select communities, conducting regular monitoring to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. We promptly implement corrective measures to address water quality concerns as needed.
Biodiversity and Conservation
At Azumah, preserving biodiversity is a core value that guides our operations. We are deeply committed to conservation efforts and actively engage in various initiatives to protect and restore natural ecosystems. Our approach focuses on collaboration, reclamation, and responsible land use:
Collaboration with Communities
We work closely with local communities to integrate traditional knowledge and practices into our conservation efforts. By fostering strong relationships, we ensure that our initiatives are culturally sensitive and beneficial to local populations.
Reclamation
Our initiatives include ecosystem restoration projects aimed at enhancing biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable balance between mining activities and environmental conservation. These projects involve rehabilitating degraded areas, replanting native species, and restoring natural habitats to support a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Responsible Land Use
We practice responsible land use by minimizing disruption to natural habitats and prioritizing conservation in areas of ecological significance. Our land use practices aim to ensure the company operates sustainably within the natural environment.
Climate Change Mitigation
Mitigating climate change is a top priority for us here at Azumah. We are deeply committed to reducing our carbon footprint and implementing sustainable practices across our operations. Our comprehensive approach focuses on greenhouse gas reduction, energy efficiency, and supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy:
Greenhouse Gas Reduction
We invest in technologies and practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as renewable energy sources and energy-efficient processes. Our operations incorporate sustainable practices designed to minimize emissions.
Energy Efficiency
We are actively pursuing strategies to enhance our energy efficiency across all operations. This includes upgrading less energy-efficient equipment wherever feasible and seeking opportunities to reduce overall energy consumption. Our aim is for our operational processes to be designed to prioritize energy efficiency, ensuring optimal resource utilization while minimizing our environmental footprint.
Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy
We are committed to adopting sustainable practices that support the global transition to a low-carbon economy, including integrating low-carbon technologies, reducing reliance on non-renewable resources, and promoting sustainable supply chain practices.
Explore Our Sustainability Initiatives
Learn more about our comprehensive approach to sustainability, health & safety, and community development.