The mineral endowment of a country is for the benefit of the people. Barrick strives to be the preferred mining partner to create value out of those resources on the ground. Responsible mining that supports, grows and sustains people is at the heart of the Barrick approach.
We seek to use the development of a national resource and asset to catalyze the socio-economic upliftment of local people and diversify prosperous local economies that thrive long after the mine gates shut.
These principles are formalised in our Sustainable Development Policy and our Social Performance Policy. These policies and further details regarding our approach to Community Development and Relations are available on our website.
How we deliver this vision is guided by three key principles:
1️⃣ Partnership – We are firm believers in the principle of stronger together. Uplifting communities and driving development is not a task which can be achieved alone. It requires partnership and cooperation between all actors in the chain. Our model is to put local communities at the heart of discussions and the decision-making process, and we strive to help them build capacity and resilience. Through these efforts we establish trust, transparency, partnership and ultimately the social license needed to continue operating. Beyond our own contributions, we also seek to attract and catalyze additional funding to create scale for projects, and multiply positive impacts. We do this by working to identify, align and contribute to local, regional and national development plans, and partnering with public and private sector specialists to maximize development.
2️⃣ Sharing the benefits – Mines require a large pool of workers and a wide range of goods and services to operate efficiently. We see these needs as an opportunity to share and create value. We do this by focusing on hiring and buying practices that leverage these needs to inject money into local communities and our host countries, and invest in foundational human rights that prepare individuals to access these opportunities. Over time, this builds capacity and creates additional opportunity.
3️⃣ Open, honest and patient communication – No one knows the needs and wants of the community better than the communities themselves. We take time to build relationships grounded in trust and put them at the center of our community support decision-making processes.
Co-Founder & CEO Artemis Project | Top 100 Women - IWIM - 2022 | Top 50 Globe and Mail Changemaker - 2021 | Elevating Entrepreneurial Success for Women
2wCongrats Kari!! Your relentless spirit shines on!!!