South Harz Potash Ltd (ASX:SHP) has joined the Environmental, Social and Governance revolution and adopted a new policy to track its ESG roadmap which is aligned with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework and key UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Management is committed to implementing ESG best practice principles and behaviours as early as possible, as it looks to advance the Ohmgebirge Potash Development and broader South Harz Potash Project.
The company has been focused on its ESG roadmap, appointing regional director Dr Babette Winter as the responsible person for its delivery.
"We want to promote mining in the 21st century. This only works with constant awareness of environmental sensitivities, the understanding that we have to bring the local community with us and that our employees also play an important role in this. In addition, we are aware of the long tradition of potash mining in the Southharz District in Northern Thuringia," Dr Winter said.
Pillars of success
SHP is particularly focused on responsibility and sustainability as the pillars of success.
To achieve its ESG aims it has defined clear priorities, including high environmental and social standards including:
- protecting and preserving the environment in which its projects are located;
- using modern technological and economical processes and integrate existing structures of the region; and
- all project participants and supporters should benefit from SHP’s commitment: from employees and the communities where it operates to shareholders and other external stakeholders.
- SDG 2 - Zero Hunger.
- SDG 6 - Clean water and sanitation.
- SDG 12 - Responsible consumption and production.
- SDG 13 - Climate action.
- SDG 15 - Life on land.
As a future miner of potash, an essential ingredient for fertiliser, SHP will contribute to the world´s challenge to fight hunger.
"We are committed to building a potash mining business that is highly respectful of the environment in which we will operate. Protection of the environment, social responsibility, and engagement, as well as good governance, are essential components for our business activities and values,” South Harz CEO Luis da Silva said.
Fully committed
The company’s commitments to ESG will be introduced through all of its project feasibility study evaluations, design parameters and project permitting procedures. This includes:
- strict environmental guidelines in mine planning and process facility design from the outset;
- diversification of energy supply to minimise fossil fuels as a climate protection measure;
- minimising land use in the planning of its surface facilities;
- involvement in local and regional education and culture;
- compliance with legal requirements;
- transparent and proactive stakeholder engagement; and
- respect for the mining legacy in the region.