The outcome and recommendations of internal human rights studies have provided us with baseline information to evaluate and review our economic, legal, moral, ethical and social responsibilities. This supported the development of our Social Commitment Policy, which pledges us to the principles of the United Nations Norms on the Responsibilities of Transnational Corporations and Other Business Enterprises with Regard to Human Rights.

We are aware of society’s increasing expectations for business in general, and for extractive industries in particular, to contribute in the areas of social and environmental development. As such, we put great importance on our most precious intangible assets – our people. We are committed to working towards enhancing the quality of life of employees and their families. We also expect employees to have a strong awareness of social and environmental issues facing the industry and to strictly adhere to high moral and ethical standards in the performance of their duties.

We give priority to hiring individuals from our host communities and provide salaries and benefits that exceed those of regional counterparts. At any given time, more than half of the workforce at our Canatuan operations are from the host province of Zamboanga del Norte. Using a multiplier effect of six times, we have created over 4,000 jobs for the Philippines as a whole.

Quality of life does not only depend on the social and economic well-being of employees and their families – it is also linked to a healthy, safe and secure environment. Over the years, we have sought to promote such an environment in our operations and to build greater understanding and support for human rights, sustainable development and responsible mining into our culture.