Aim-listed Hummingbird Resources has achieved compliance with the World Gold Council’s (WGC’s) Responsible Gold Mining Principles (RGMPs), within the shortest possible timeframe and at both corporate level, as well as at its Yanfolila site.
The miner says it is committed to operating responsibly with strict environmental, social and governance (ESG) protocols and practices and, therefore, joined the WGC as a member company in 2020 to demonstrate that commitment.
On September 4, 2020, as part of its support of international best practices, the company declared its intent to adopt the RGMPs and to work towards the September 2022 full conformance deadline.
After the self-assessment process, Hummingbird has now fully implemented and gone beyond the underlying systems, policies and procedures required for full Year 3 compliance with the RGMP requirements.
Hummingbird worked with its external assurance provider, which obtained the evidence, information and explanation considered necessary in relation to the assurance scope, and was satisfied that Hummingbird’s conformance with the principles was fairly stated based on the procedures performed and evidence obtained.
Hummingbird chief strategy and ESG officer Edward Montgomery says that adopting the RGMPs is a key part of Hummingbird's strategy for building a long-term, sustainable mining company.
“Meeting and exceeding these requirements within the shortest timeframe possible demonstrates our continued commitment to the highest standard of ESG performance, which is a key part of our dedication to building a lasting positive legacy in the regions and communities in which we operate,” he adds.
As a result of the auditing process, the company has benchmarked, and in some cases improved, its ESG practices.
The process has instigated further commitments to developing the Kouroussa project in compliance with the same strict RGMPs, as well as inspiring other projects like the company’s Kouroussa green energy project and potential solar projects at Yanfolila, which Montgomery says highlight Hummingbird’s ongoing commitment to ESG protocols and practices.
“Implementing the RGMPs enables Hummingbird to evidence a greater level of accountability and transparency, in line with the increasing expectations of our stakeholders.”