At Barrick, our goal is to minimize our environmental footprint and safeguard the environment, now and for future generations. Responsible environmental management is central to our success as a leading gold mining company and we seek to continually improve our performance.
Environmental Management Systems (EMS) at each of our operations help us achieve our goals of protection and stewardship. Performance indicators help us measure how 
well we have done. We recognize that there may be significant impacts to the existing natural environment, both temporary and long-lasting, due to the presence of our mining operations. As a result, we take a precautionary approach throughout the life of a mine by first assessing potential impacts, then evaluating how to avoid, mitigate or control these impacts. Controls typically include putting into place multi-layers of environmental protection and robust environmental management systems that include advanced planning against possible future events.
Further support for responsible environmental management is provided in Barrick’s Environmental Management System Standard (EMSS), developed in 2005 and designed to be consistent with, and go beyond ISO 14001. The EMSS applies to all Barrick activities at all properties, including joint ventures where we are the operator. It consists of 15 elements. Each element contains a statement of the standard of environmental conduct that Barrick expects, followed by a list of Management System Requirements. The Requirements represent the specific systems, practices, procedures or tasks that are, at a minimum, necessary to meet the Standard.
Responsible Person: Vice President, Environment
Barrick Environmental Management System Elements
- Leadership and Commitment
- Legal and Other Requirements
- Risk Assessment
- Project Life Cycle Planning
- Objectives, Targets and Plans
- Responsibility and Accountability
- Competence, Training and Awareness
- Operational Controls and Maintenance
- Change Management
- Contractors, Suppliers and Vendors
- Emergency Planning, Response and Recovery
- Incident Reporting and Investigation
- Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
- Documentation and Recordkeeping
- Assessing, Connecting and Improving Performance
Environmental Policy Statement
Barrick Gold Corporation believes that wise environmental stewardship is founded in the diligent application of proven natural resource management controls and practices for the protection, reclamation and enhancement of the environment.
As a leader within the mining industry, Barrick is in the forefront of implementing operational improvements that offer superior environmental protection. Barrick’s management practices will continue to fully integrate environmental evaluation, planning, and design into its business development strategies.
Therefore, in the best interests of its business, its employees, its shareholders, and the communities in which it operates, Barrick Gold Corporation will:
- Comply with all environmental laws and regulations.
- Establish and maintain a clearly defined environmental management program to guide its operations.
- Ensure that its directors, officers, managers, and employees understand and adhere to its environmental management program.
- Provide its managers and supervisors at each operation with the authority and resources necessary to carry out its environmental Management program, including the administration of site-specific environmental practices.
- Conduct periodic reviews of its operations to monitor environmental performance and to guide its environmental management program.
- Require those who provide it with services and products to practice good environmental stewardship.
- Sponsor research directed at expanding scientific knowledge and achieving cost-effective solutions to environmental issues.
- Promote environmental awareness among its employees, their families, and the communities in which it operates.
- Work with governmental and civic leaders, environmental groups, and other concerned parties to develop a mutual understanding of environmental issues.
- Mitigate its environmental impacts and support environmental enhancement programs of common benefit.
To Read More
Click on the following sections to learn about Barrick's environmental record and the awards the company has received.