As part of the agreement, Newmont asked IUCN and its experts – including representatives of IUCN Member organizations and its Commissions – to conduct independent reviews at select mine sites using the IUCN Biodiversity Net Gain Protocol. The first site visit was conducted in August at Newmont’s operations in Nevada, USA, and future visits are planned for the Company’s other regions. Data gathered through the reviews will be used to design and implement enhanced biodiversity conservation programs at Newmont’s global mine sites and for knowledge sharing with IUCN members.
"The full assessment of the first site visit to Newmont’s operations in Nevada is still being compiled, but preliminary conclusions indicate that there is considerable scope for the mining sector to mainstream biodiversity conservation into their operations in a meaningful way," said IUCN’s Global Director, Stewart Maginnis. "However, for this to work, companies need commitment at both the corporate and operational level to adhere to best practice standards as well as third-party assessment and verification."
Newmont is one of the world’s leading gold and copper producers with operations in Africa, Australia, North and South America. The Company has a stated goal of no net loss of key biodiversity values (KBVs) in its areas of influence.
"Our partnership with IUCN, a recognized global authority on biodiversity, will provide further insight into how Newmont can meet or exceed our biodiversity targets and remain a global leader in sustainability," said Newmont’s Elaine Dorward-King, Executive Vice President of Sustainability and External Relations. "Understanding and managing the impacts of our activities on biodiversity, critical habitats and ecosystems – at every stage of the mine lifecycle – is essential to ensuring our operations remain responsible and profitable well into the future."
Source:
Press Release IUCN, 10.10.2018