Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD)(TSX:ABX) – Almost $12 billion
of economic value generated by Barrick’s mines last year remained
in the countries in which it operates, according to the company’s
2023 Sustainability Report published today.
Barrick president and chief executive Mark
Bristow says real, tangible sustainability can only be achieved
through a holistic approach aligned to the United Nation’s
Sustainable Development Goals. Barrick’s conformance with ESG
standards is a natural by-product of its sustainable business
philosophy and not its driver.
“Barrick’s distinctive approach to
sustainability has evolved over many years, guided by the
operational experience gained at its worldwide operations, the
partnership philosophy at the heart of its business and the
company’s belief that all stakeholders should benefit from the
value it creates,” he says. In 2023, 97% of its employees were host
country nationals and $43 million has been invested by the
company’s pioneering Community Development Committees (CDCs) in
education, healthcare, food security, the environment,
infrastructure and local economic development.
On the safety front, there was a 21%
year-on-year improvement in Barrick’s Lost Time Injury Frequency
Rate with total injuries reducing from 2022. The company also
recorded its lowest malaria incidence rate, a 33% year-on-year
decrease from 17.86% in 2022 to 11.35% in 2023. “Our safety
performance has been given additional focused attention with the
establishment of new groupwide safety protocols to drive fatal
risks down and achieve the zero target we have set ourselves,”
Bristow says.
Also in 2023, Barrick achieved the target it set
for itself for 2025 of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by
15%. Its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions have now been
reduced by 16% against its 2018 baseline. Barrick will continue to
reduce these emissions, with the long-term goal to be Net Zero by
2050. At the same time, it remains on track to achieve its Scope 3
emissions reduction targets which were set in consultation with its
suppliers and service providers. Barrick also re-used or recycled
84% of the water it used in its operations, with an 85% recycle
rate achieved at its water-stressed sites.
Barrick is also targeting no net loss on any Key
Biodiversity Features (KBFs) identified at its sites and is
contributing positively to the conservation of high-risk
biodiversity features. “This is best illustrated by the successful,
and ongoing, reintroduction of white rhinos to the Garamba National
Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Today, these rhinos are
safely roaming a park previously considered lost to poachers and
nomad herders. Its restoration means that the surrounding
communities can look forward to a secure future and one that holds
the promise of eco-tourism’s economic awards,” says Bristow.
Enquiries
Investor and Media RelationsKathy du Plessis+44 20 7557 7738Email:
barrick@dpapr.com |
Website: www.barrick.com
Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking
Information
Certain information contained or incorporated by
reference in this press release, including any information as to
our strategy, projects, plans or future financial or operating
performance, constitutes “forward-looking statements”. All
statements, other than statements of historical fact, are
forward-looking statements. The words “committed”, “vision”,
“strategy”, “target”, “roadmap”, “strive”, “objective”, “goals”,
“seeks”, “will”, “can” and similar expressions identify
forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release
contains forward-looking statements including, without limitation,
with respect to: Barrick’s sustainability strategy and vision;
Barrick climate strategy and approach to managing climate risks;
Barrick’s greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and ultimate
aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, including by
implementing the projects set out in its 2023 Sustainability
Report; and Barrick’s environmental, health and safety, corporate
social responsibility and human rights programs, policies and
performance, including regarding local community relations,
economic contributions and education and employment
initiatives.
Forward-looking statements are necessarily based
upon a number of estimates and assumptions including material
estimates and assumptions related to the factors set forth below
that, while considered reasonable by the Company as at the date of
this press release in light of management’s experience and
perception of current conditions and expected developments, are
inherently subject to significant business, economic and
competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown
factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those
projected in the forward-looking statements and undue reliance
should not be placed on such statements and information. Such
factors include, but are not limited to: failure to comply with
environmental and health and safety laws and regulations; increased
costs and physical and transition risks related to climate change,
including extreme weather events, resource shortages, emerging
policies and increased regulations related to greenhouse gas
emission levels, energy efficiency and reporting of risks;
non-renewal of key licences by governmental authorities; changes in
national and local government legislation, taxation, controls or
regulations and/or changes in the administration of laws, policies
and practices; expropriation or nationalization of property and
political or economic developments in Canada, the United States and
other jurisdictions in which the Company or its affiliates do or
may carry on business in the future; timing of receipt of, or
failure to comply with, necessary permits and approvals; lack of
certainty with respect to foreign legal systems, corruption and
other factors that are inconsistent with the rule of law; risks
associated with illegal and artisanal mining; risks associated with
new diseases, epidemics and pandemics, including the effects and
potential effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic; damage to the
Company’s reputation due to the actual or perceived occurrence of
any number of events, including negative publicity with respect to
the Company’s handling of environmental matters or dealings with
community groups, whether true or not; risk of loss due to acts of
war, terrorism, sabotage and civil disturbances; the impact of
inflation, including global energy cost increases following the
invasion of Ukraine by Russia and conflicts in the Middle East;
litigation and administrative proceedings; contests over title to
properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties, or over
access to water, power and other required infrastructure; risks
associated with working with partners in jointly controlled assets;
and employee relations including loss of key employees. In
addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business
of mineral exploration, development and mining, including
environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected
formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding and gold bullion, copper
cathode or gold or copper concentrate losses (and the risk of
inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover
these risks).
Many of these uncertainties and contingencies
can affect our actual results and could cause actual results to
differ materially from those expressed or implied in any
forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us. Readers
are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of
future performance. All of the forward-looking statements made in
this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements.
Specific reference is made to the most recent Form 40-F/Annual
Information Form on file with the SEC and Canadian provincial
securities regulatory authorities for a more detailed discussion of
some of the factors underlying forward-looking statements and the
risks that may affect Barrick’s ability to achieve the expectations
set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this press
release.
We disclaim any intention or obligation to
update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result
of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required
by applicable law.
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