Horizonte Minerals PLC (LON:HZM)(TSE:HZM) has published a sustainability report for 2019 that primarily relates to the Araguaia ferronickel project in Brazil, with data from the Vermelho nickel-cobalt project and corporate head office included where appropriate.
The company noted as highlights zero lost-time injuries and fatalities, over 200 community engagements, 618 students engaged in environmental awareness programmes, 55% of total purchases from local suppliers, 42% female employees, and 46% of Brazil employees from Para State, where the projects are located.
“I am delighted to introduce our first sustainability report, which we believe is an important step in the company's evolution and development into a nickel producer,” Horizonte chief executive Jeremy Martin said in a statement.
“Sustainability has been central to Horizonte's operations in Brazil for the past 10 years, and our ability to deliver on our environmental, social and governance commitments will be key to our future success. Projects of the scale of Araguaia and Vermelho need to be underpinned by robust sustainability performance, reporting and measurement.
This maiden report highlights the extensive ESG initiatives we have already undertaken and sets a baseline against which we will measure ourselves in future. The commitment and undertaking required for such a programme should not be underestimated, particularly for a company of the size of Horizonte,” he added.