O3 Mining Inc (TSX-V:OIII, OTCQX:OIIIF). announced that it has received UL 2723 ECOLOGO Certification for Mineral Exploration Companies, a third-party certification that confirms the company's environmental, social and governance procedures and practices are exemplary.
Supported by industry, investors and government authorities, in 2012 the Association De L'exploration Minière Du Québec (AEMQ) initiated the certification project aimed at evaluating and recognizing the responsible practices of mining exploration companies and their service providers. Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an independent certification body, developed the ECOLOGO Certification based on AEMQ's initial work.
In a statement, O3 Mining's president and chief executive officer, Jose Vizquerra commented: "We are very proud to have been awarded the ECOLOGO Certification. As an exploration company, O3 Mining has taken a proactive approach to sustainability by integrating environmental, social and governance best practices at the heart of our company to create long-term value for our stakeholders."
READ: O3 Mining hails "multiple intercepts" of mineable grade over more than 10-metre widths from Marban project drilling
"The ECOLOGO certification validates our commitment to sustainable development to our stakeholders and shareholders. We look forward to implementing increasingly sustainable practices as we advance towards our vision," Vizquerra added.
The certification process entailed the verification of 100 indicators encompassing practices on environment, health and safety, governance, community relations, First Nations relations, innovation, contribution to local economy, etc. As O3 Mining moves forward, it intends to continuously improve its sustainability practices.
"UL congratulates O3 Mining on its achievement of ECOLOGO Certification," said Doug Lockard, vice president and general manager for UL. "The program offers mineral exploration companies an opportunity to verify their responsible practices and ability to reduce their impact on the environment. We support their commitment to sustainability."
UL has been developing standards for Canada for over 100 years and is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), an accreditation to deliver standards that promotes sustainable development, benefits the health ,safety and welfare of workers and advances national economy.
The Association De L'exploration Minière Du Québec (AEMQ) is a non-profit organization that represents players in Québec's mining sector. Founded in 1975 to increase mining exploration in Québec and support development of Québec's mining entrepreneurship, it now has 1,200 individual members (prospectors, geologists, geophysicists, brokers, tax experts, attorneys, etc.) and 200 corporate members (junior and major mining exploration companies, mining operation companies, engineering consulting firms in geology and geophysics, drilling companies, service companies, equipment suppliers, etc.).
O3 Mining, an Osisko Group company, is a gold explorer and mine developer on the road to produce from its highly prospective gold camps in Québec, Canada. The company is well capitalized and owns a 100% interest in all its properties (137,000 hectares) in Québec.
Contact the author at jon.hopkins@proactiveinvestors.com