• Iso 9001:2008
  • info@sikagoldinternational.com
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Communities

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Understanding that each of our operations exists within a broader social and economic context, we seek to enhance the environmental, social and economic wellbeing and resilience of the communities, societies and countries in which we operate.

Supporting community resilience

We understand the influential role that mining companies can play in the development of local communities and their supporting economies and strive as far as possible to nurture harmonious relationships with host communities.
This is especially important in the context of the complex and diverse environments where we operate. The socio-economic issues most prevalent in our host communities include unemployment, low economic growth, inadequate infrastructure and lack of access to services including healthcare and education. Communities also have concerns about food and water security.
In framing our approach to social contribution, we are guided by a set of management standards that outline the philosophy, scope and application of our community development initiatives. Focus areas include:
  • Enterprise and supplier development
  • Localisation of employment and procurement opportunities
  • Infrastructure development
  • Public health initiatives
  • Education and skills development

The rights of indigenous peoples

We respect the rights and interests of indigenous peoples and communities where we operate. Recognising their traditional knowledge and deep connection to the environment and respecting their values and traditions, we strive to promote local and indigenous cultures and support their socio-economic development.
Our approach is mandated by our Social Management Standard Framework, which is inclusive of the standards on human rights, indigenous peoples, cultural heritage and sacred sites management. Our standards are in line with the aims of United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the IFC’s Performance Standard #7 on Indigenous Peoples.
As a signatory to the principles of the ICMM, we support and promote the importance of free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) in all engagements with indigenous stakeholders.
Our standard on cultural heritage and sacred sites supports our undertaking to uphold the rights of indigenous peoples through the preservation and maintenance of land that has cultural significance.

Human rights and security

Prioritising inclusive, transparent and accountable production ensures that we are able to safeguard our people and assets while honouring the rights of individuals working at, and those associated with, our operations.
The challenges faced across our operations remain complex, with heightened risks stemming from political instability, poverty, inequality, terrorism, and the rise of artisanal and small-scale (ASM) and illegal mining activities. The success of our business is linked to the security and prosperity of the areas in which we operate.
Our approach is primarily informed by the UNGPs on Business and Human Rights, the current leading standard. The UNGPs framework of protect, respect, remedy places the responsibility of monitoring, upholding and managing our human rights impacts as a business, no matter where we operate.
Our Human Rights Governance Framework is supported by policies on sustainability, health, safety and security, and people, all of which are aligned with the UNGPs and all our memberships, associations and voluntary commitments.

SikaGold International does not tolerate rights abuses in any form, and it is paramount that our employees, contractors and supply chain understand what must be done to protect human rights and what steps must be taken to remedy any violations. We are committed to maintaining an accessible grievance mechanism to receive concerns and grievances from our employees, communities, suppliers, partners and associates, including through our Speak-up channels. Site-specific grievance processes exist for employees and communities to report concerns related to human rights infringements, among other matters. These mechanisms are guided by our management standards on Complaints and Grievances and Community Incident Management, both of which are aligned with the IFC guidance and the UNGPs.

All security personnel deployed on our sites are required to undergo thorough induction in the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR). We favour dialogue as a dispute resolution mechanism and seek to create the conditions necessary for a peaceful resolution.
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