GUIDING FRAMEWORKS
e3 Plus – A Framework for Responsible Exploration
In November 2006, Avalon publicly subscribed to the principles and practices of the PDAC’s e3 Plus – A Framework for Responsible Exploration, through the implementation of a formal company policy. Avalon believes that the e3 Plus framework is pivotal to adopt in order to follow industry best practice and improve company social, environmental and health and safety performance.
The eight e3 Principles for Responsible Exploration, all of which have been integrated into Avalon’s business practices, are:
- Adopt Responsible Governance and Management
- Apply Ethical Business Practices
- Respect Human Rights
- Commit to Project Due Diligence and Risk Assessment
- Engage Host Communities and Other Affected and Interested Parties
- Contribute to Community Development and Social Wellbeing
- Protect the Environment
- Safeguard the Health and Safety of Workers and the Local Population
To read more about the PDAC’s e3 Plus program, visit the PDAC’s website here
Towards Sustainable Mining
Avalon also subscribes to the Mining Association of Canada’s (MAC) Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) Guiding Principles: a set of tools and indicators to drive performance and ensure that key mining risks are managed responsibly at Avalon’s future facilities. Once operational, Avalon will report on its facilities’ TSM performance.
The TSM Guiding Principles are partially summarized here:
Avalon commits to:
⦁ Respecting human rights and treating those with whom the company deals fairly and with dignity
⦁ Respecting the cultures, customs and values of people with whom Avalon’s operations interact
⦁ Recognizing and respecting the unique role, contribution and concerns of Aboriginal peoples (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) and indigenous peoples worldwide
⦁ Obtaining and maintaining business through ethical conduct
⦁ Complying with all laws & regulations in each country where Avalon operates
⦁ Applying the standards reflecting our adherence to these Guiding Principles & to best international practices
⦁ Supporting the capability of communities to participate in opportunities provided by new mining projects and existing operations
⦁ Being responsive to community priorities, needs and interests through all stages of mining exploration, development, operations and closure
⦁ Providing lasting benefits to local communities through self-sustaining programs to enhance economic, environmental, social, educational and health care standards
Read more about MAC’s Towards Sustainable Mining here.