(NYSE:GOLD) (TSX:ABX) – Barrick Gold Corporation’s sustainability
strategy is based on integrated and holistic management and aligned
with the objectives of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs), that seeks to deliver outcomes that are achievable,
demonstrable and align with global priorities, says president and
chief executive Mark Bristow in the company’s
2022
Sustainability Report, published today.
Bristow says by using the SDGs as the central
framework of its sustainability reporting, Barrick is better able
to link an integrated approach to sustainability management, and to
avoid the siloed thinking and mere box-ticking approach that can be
a consequence of taking an ESG compliance-driven approach.
Barrick’s latest Sustainability Report, its fifth since the
transformational merger with Randgold Resources in 2019, still
complies with important key reporting frameworks, but its primary
lens for understanding and measuring its progress in sustainability
aligns with a focus on the SDGs — an often-forgotten global
commitment.
“Our sustainability approach allows us to tackle
the challenges of alleviating poverty, managing changes to the
climate and preserving biodiversity holistically and concurrently
because they are inextricably connected,” he says.
For example, Barrick generated more than $10.7
billion in economic value and created 21,000 jobs in 2022 (SDG 8:
Decent Work and Economic Growth). Additionally, 96% of its
employees and 78% of its senior site managers are host country
nationals, and $1.4 billion worth of goods and services were
procured from suppliers in the communities closest to its mines. In
total, Barrick spent over $6.1 billion on host country suppliers in
2022.
It also invested more than $36 million in
community development projects from education facilities in Nevada
(SDG 4: Quality Education), to business incubators in the Dominican
Republic (SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and
gender-based violence awareness in Tanzania (SDG 5: Gender
Equality). Barrick’s employees at its Pueblo Viejo mine in the
Dominican Republic are now 23% women, with a target of 50% female
representation for all new hires (SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG
10: Reduced Inequality). Pueblo Viejo is the first Dominican mining
company to have been awarded the highest level of gender equality
certification by the country’s Ministry of Women and the United
Nations Development Programme.
On the environmental front, Barrick has set
itself a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target that is both
demonstrable and achievable (SDG 13: Climate Action). The company’s
total emissions in 2022 were 6,705kt CO2e (Scope 1 and 2:
market-based), which is 6% lower compared to the year before and an
11% reduction against its 2018 baseline.
“Our vision is to create the world’s most valued
gold and copper mining company by creating long-term value for all
our stakeholders, driving social and economic development in our
host communities and countries, and to responsibly manage the
impact of our business on the environment. For us, sustainability
is instrumental in our continued drive to operate mines that are
welcomed and respected as development partners throughout the
world,” Bristow says.
Enquiries
Investor and Media RelationsKathy du Plessis+44
20 7557 7738Email: barrick@dpapr.com
Website: www.barrick.com
Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking
Information
Certain information contained or incorporated by
reference in this press release, including any information as to
our strategy, projects, plans or future financial or operating
performance, constitutes “forward-looking statements”. All
statements, other than statements of historical fact, are
forward-looking statements. The words “committed”, “vision”,
“strategy”, “target”, “roadmap”, “strive”, “objective”, “goals”,
“seeks”, “will”, “can” and similar expressions identify
forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release
contains forward-looking statements including, without limitation,
with respect to: Barrick’s sustainability strategy and vision;
Barrick climate strategy and approach to managing climate risks;
Barrick’s greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and ultimate
aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, including by
implementing the projects set out in its 2022 Sustainability
Report; and Barrick’s environmental, health and safety, corporate
social responsibility and human rights programs, policies and
performance, including regarding local community relations,
economic contributions and education and employment
initiatives.
Forward-looking statements are necessarily based
upon a number of estimates and assumptions including material
estimates and assumptions related to the factors set forth below
that, while considered reasonable by the Company as at the date of
this press release in light of management’s experience and
perception of current conditions and expected developments, are
inherently subject to significant business, economic and
competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown
factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those
projected in the forward-looking statements and undue reliance
should not be placed on such statements and information. Such
factors include, but are not limited to: failure to comply with
environmental and health and safety laws and regulations; increased
costs and physical and transition risks related to climate change,
including extreme weather events, resource shortages, emerging
policies and increased regulations relating to related to
greenhouse gas emission levels, energy efficiency and reporting of
risks; non-renewal of key licences by governmental authorities;
changes in national and local government legislation, taxation,
controls or regulations and/or changes in the administration of
laws, policies and practices; expropriation or nationalization of
property and political or economic developments in Canada, the
United States and other jurisdictions in which the Company or its
affiliates do or may carry on business in the future; timing of
receipt of, or failure to comply with, necessary permits and
approvals; lack of certainty with respect to foreign legal systems,
corruption and other factors that are inconsistent with the rule of
law; risks associated with illegal and artisanal mining; risks
associated with new diseases, epidemics and pandemics, including
the effects and potential effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic;
damage to the Company’s reputation due to the actual or perceived
occurrence of any number of events, including negative publicity
with respect to the Company’s handling of environmental matters or
dealings with community groups, whether true or not; risk of loss
due to acts of war, terrorism, sabotage and civil disturbances; the
impact of inflation, including global energy cost increases
following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia; litigation and
administrative proceedings; contests over title to properties,
particularly title to undeveloped properties, or over access to
water, power and other required infrastructure; risks associated
with working with partners in jointly controlled assets; and
employee relations including loss of key employees. Barrick also
cautions that its 2023 guidance may be impacted by the ongoing
business and social disruption caused by the spread of Covid-19. In
addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business
of mineral exploration, development and mining, including
environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected
formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding and gold bullion, copper
cathode or gold or copper concentrate losses (and the risk of
inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover
these risks).
Many of these uncertainties and contingencies
can affect our actual results and could cause actual results to
differ materially from those expressed or implied in any
forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us. Readers
are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of
future performance. All of the forward-looking statements made in
this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements.
Specific reference is made to the most recent Form 40-F/Annual
Information Form on file with the SEC and Canadian provincial
securities regulatory authorities for a more detailed discussion of
some of the factors underlying forward-looking statements and the
risks that may affect Barrick’s ability to achieve the expectations
set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this press
release.
We disclaim any intention or obligation to
update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result
of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required
by applicable law.
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