FURA Gems Inc (TSXV:FURA OTC:FUGMF FRA:BJ43) has updated on its sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) program as well as community engagement at its Coscuez emerald project in Boyacá, Colombia.
The precious stones miner said since completing its acquisition of Coscuez, it had launched the first transparent employment recruitment processes in the area as well as providing direct employment for 270 people, of whom 90% are from the region of operations, and has strengthened its relationship with more than 70 local suppliers, thus supporting the improvement of living conditions for more than 340 families in West Boyaca.
READ: FURA Gems says initial core drilling at Coscuez emerald project in Colombia shows promising results
The company also said that it had initiated a number of social projects, including a seamstress workshop, carpentry and construction, providing opportunities for community members and traditional miners.
FURA is also planning to construct a health clinic in the area, along with a soccer initiative for 300 youths and the promotion of an SMS communications platform for local stakeholders that allows free, direct and constant engagement, participation and feedback regarding CSR action plans.
Dev Shetty, president and chief executive of Fura, said: "We are pleased to have developed the local socialisation sessions, the baseline CSR study and community engagement activities and we are delighted that our bakery and seamstress workshop projects were inaugurated by Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of Dubai Multi Commodity Centre.
He added: "CSR remains a priority across the breadth of Fura's operations. We continue to promote a process whereby the Company and communities work together, learning from each other, and making a positive contribution in our area of influence."
Initial core drilling at the Coscuez project last week has identified the total potential emerald bearing horizon of 632 metres along the down dip, with a thickness of 200 metres at the top, tapering to 100 metres towards the bottom.
FURA said that after promising results from Phase 1 of the Bulk Sampling Program, in which 12,845 carats of emeralds at 7.14 carats per tonne were recovered, Phase 2 has been initiated with a larger size stope, to further define the mineralisation.