Environmental Management

The care of the environment is one of the most important factors in modern mining activity. At the Sociedad Minera Austria Duvaz, we are aware of the importance of preserving the environment in which our activities are carried out; Therefore, our efforts are focused on achieving an adequate social and environmental performance, applying solutions that generate favorable conditions for the development of our operations, in harmony with the environment, in compliance with environmental regulations and promoting the participation of the population of our area. of social influence.

In compliance with our policy of safety, occupational health and the environment, we are working with a focus on prevention of environmental impacts, one of the operational tools being the Environmental Management System, which we have been strengthening during the last years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Environmental Management Instruments

In 2016, the Modification of the Environmental Impact Study of the U.M. Austria Duvaz. This Environmental Management Instrument (IGA) made it possible to update the environmental and social baseline of the area of ​​influence of our operations. Likewise, we assume a series of environmental commitments with the objective of preventing, controlling and mitigating the environmental impacts of our operations, updating and rethinking environmental measures in accordance with the dynamics of operations and in search of continuous improvement.

Austria Duvaz has been carrying out the Modification of the Mine Closure Plan, an environmental management instrument that provides the necessary guidelines for the operations to be carried out in accordance with the measures to be adopted for closure. The closure of the mine includes environmental rehabilitation, and its maintenance and post-closure monitoring, and must also consider the post-mining economic aspect.

Among other IGAs that Austria Duvaz has, we have the Closure Plan for Environmental Liabilities and the Sustaining Technical Reports.

Water management

In Sociedad Minera AUSTRIA DUVAZ we assume the commitment of responsible use of water resources. Therefore, we comply with water quality standards. We have the water use authorizations granted by the corresponding authorities. We also promote water reuse initiatives to minimize the consumption of fresh water. According to the established guidelines, good practices in the use of water are applied, such as:

  • Recirculation of decanted water and sub-drainage water from the tailings dam to the Concentrator Plant, for use in the metallurgical process.

  • Zero discharges to the environment, from the water coming from the Concentrator Plant and tailings dam.

  • The mine waters are derived to the Kingsmill tunnel, whose treatment is carried out in the Acid Water Treatment Plant of Minera Chinalco Peru, with whom an agreement has been made.

  • Awareness of good practices in water consumption.

  • Permanent monitoring of water quality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Surveillance and Environmental Monitoring

The purpose of environmental monitoring is to monitor the quality of water, air, noise, soil, flora and fauna over time, as indicators of the state of the environment in the area of influence of mining operations. Therefore, environmental monitoring is carried out, such as:

  • Monitoring of environmental quality of surface and groundwater.

  • Monitoring of air quality.

  • Environmental noise quality monitoring.

  • Soil quality monitoring.

  • Biological monitoring.

  • Hydrobiological monitoring

  • Monitoring of water for human consumption

The evaluation and analysis of the information obtained in the monitoring, allows to implement, if necessary, preventive and / or corrective measures. For this reason, environmental monitoring serves as a management tool that feeds back into the Prevention and Mitigation Plan, in such a way that environmental impacts are mitigated or eliminated.

Solid Waste Management

Framed in the environmental normativity and according to our policy, the solid waste management is done without affecting the environment or public health. Therefore, control actions are carried out -mainly in the emission sources- and actions to minimize the generation of waste. The principles that guide this integral and sustainable management of solid waste are:

  • Compliance with regulations, such as Law N ° 27314, General Law on Solid Waste and its Regulation, mainly framed in the processes of minimization in the source, reuse, recycling and correct final disposal. The management of waste has been adapted to the new Legislative Decree N ° 1278, Law of Integral Management of Solid Residues.

  • Involvement of all employees of Austria Duvaz, as of its strategic partners in the management of solid waste.

  • Interrelation of the elements of the waste chain (generation, segregation, collection, transport, storage, treatment and final disposal).

 

 

 

 

Closure of Mines

The main objective of the Mining Closure is that the areas used by the operation are compatible with a healthy environment and suitable for the development of life. In Austria Duvaz, we seek that the closure of mines be safe, comply with environmental regulations, minimize long-term impacts and consider the contributions of those involved.

The mine closure plan is dynamic; In this sense, the Modification of the Mining Closure Plan has been carried out, where technical improvement alternatives are identified for an adequate closure and in safeguarding the environment.

Austria Duvaz grants a bail letter annually as a guarantee for compliance with the Mine Closure Plan.