DUNDEE PRECIOUS METALS
MINING the first company to use this technology on a broad basis .” Howes added . “ It is fullyinstalled at Chelopech and the big miners like Vale ( Brazil ) are now testing it . We will use it wherever we can as there are so many environmental and economic benefits to it .”
Other examples include systems which treat and recycle 100 percent of the water used at Chelopech with zero discharge , and a new conveyor to transport materials from the mine to the surface , replacing the use of trucks , leading to a 40 percent reduction in diesel use in 2013 .
On the social side , building relationships with governments and local populations has been the most important challenge that Dundee Precious Metals has had to overcome . In 2013 the company spent $ 3.2 million on community investment and was recognised as the most generous financial donator in Bulgaria .
“ This is about earning respect as a foreign company and our stakeholder engagement and environmental work has allowed us to embed into societies ,” Howes said . “ Convincing them that we will continue to invest was a challenge , but we have been successful and that is proven by the fact we are now working on a second project in Bulgaria .”
The company ’ s social responsibility is no better demonstrated than by its Chelopech English Language School , which was acquired with the mine and now attracts Bulgaria ’ s brightest students having seen significant investment . All
Rick Howes
“ It was vital to take away the concerns of the local people and we are also introducing other sustainable features including new dry waste disposal methods ”
– Rick Howes , CEO
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