Environment
Environmental Management
At Yamana, business and operations decisions are guided by concern for the natural environment. Our management programs are intended to protect the earth’s finite natural resources and identify impact management processes in ongoing operations. Every project we work on has a direct connection to the environment, while every business decision incorporates and assesses Yamana’s environmental impact in a specific region. We are focused on the adoption of good engineering actions, operation and maintenance of our projects. As stewards of the planet, we are focused on recovering areas affected by our mining activities, and reducing our impact on nature.
We are focused on protecting the environment. Yamana is working on a number of water saving, air monitoring, and protection initiatives at our operations. For water and air control and analysis, the Water Monitoring Program and the Air Monitoring Program measures the quality of the surface, groundwater, and air emissions sources that are in place at all Yamana sites. Additionally, independent and certified laboratories collect water and air samples at different points in our operations that are then analyzed to ensure quality controls are being met. In 2007, we conducted at least three environmental inspections at our Brazilian mining operations.
Reducing our operational energy consumption was a key goal for 2007. At Fazenda Brasileiro, energy consumption was reduced by almost 10% as a result of a new and more efficient power control system. As part of the SYG, Yamana focuses on energy efficient projects for the coming years. In a majority of our operations, clean hydropower energy is already in place as we are committed to reduce our electrical energy and diesel consumption and neutralize operational greenhouse gas emissions.
The Solid Residues Management Program (SRMP) is operating in all Brazilian and Argentine mining operations, with the exception of São Francisco that is slated for completion by the summer of 2008.
Under the SRMP, solid waste from those mining operations is separated and delivered to temporary waste storage centres in order for licensed companies to recycle, process or store in adequate and licensed waste deposits. In accordance with environmental management standards, Yamana is undergoing improvements to the SRMP implementations in 2008 for both Minera Florida and El Peñón.
Since the 1890’s, cyanidation has become the most viable method for the extraction of gold. The risk for cyanide exposure can occur during the transportation, storage, metallurgical process, and the disposal of tailings materials. Yamana is implementing a cyanide management program to explore the decommissioning of mines, employee safety and training, transportation, and emergency preparedness. By the end of 2008, Yamana expects certification on International Cyanide Management Code in all facilities of Brazil and Honduras. For the new operations in Argentina and new acquisitions in Chile, the certification will be completed by 2009.
We are dedicated to minimize our environmental impact and in 2008 plan to explore new programs to reduce our carbon footprint. We are focused on designing realistic environmental programs that minimize our impact while ultimately investing in the sustainability of the environment for future generations.
Sustainability for the Future: Yamana’s Goals
Yamana knows that protecting the environment requires an ongoing investment. As a result, we are improving the environmental audit program through a collaborative process integrated with the management review. We are also looking at how to reduce the impact and costs of solid waste management. In short, no measure is considered too small. The cumulative effect goes towards reducing our impact on the planet.
Cut 10% by 2010 (based on 2007 results)
- Reduce fossil fuel consumption 10% by 2010
- Reduce solid waste generation 10% by 2010
- Reduce fresh water consumption 10% by 2010
- Reduce power consumption 10% by 2010
Yamana is focused on being a positive steward for finite natural resource management and continues to evolve our sustainability policies, best practices and programs.