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
Barrick Environmental Policy
Barrick Gold Corporation believes that wise environmental stewardship is based on careful work planning, diligent implementation, thoughtful assessment of performance and a desire to improve over time.
Successful implementation of our plans results in some disturbance to our natural environment. However, Barrick believes that we can contribute to the sustainable development of our host communities. We are committed to meeting the needs of current members of that community without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Therefore, it is Barrick Gold Corporation policy to:
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Regularly communicate this policy to those who work at Barrick, their families, and the communities in which we operate.
Establish, document and maintain an environmental management system and clearly defined environmental requirements.
Educate our employees, their families, and our neighboring communities about our systems and practices.
Insist that those who provide services or products adhere to our environmental policy and practices.
Ensure that our leadership and employees understand, support and maintain our environmental management system.
Provide our managers and supervisors the authority and resources necessary to implement our environmental management system and associated environmental standards and practices. |
Apply proven management practices to prevent pollution or other environmental impacts, when practical, or to mitigate our impacts.
Set and review environmental objectives and targets aimed at continual improvement.
Conduct periodic reviews of our operations to monitor environmental performance and to guide its environmental management program.
Comply with relevant environmental laws and regulations and with other relevant environmental obligations.
Work with governmental and civic leaders, environmental groups, and other concerned parties to develop a mutual understanding of environmental issues. |
Aaron Regent
September 2009 |
Peter Kinver
September 2009 |
To Read More
Click on the following sections to learn about Barrick's environmental record and the awards the company has received.