Sustainability

Environment

Bear Creek’s operating activities run the gamut from surface exploration to pre-construction activities to underground mining. The scope of our environmental programs is commensurate with the stage of development of our mineral properties and initiatives are governed by our commitments to safety and sustainability and with a recognition that large industrial operations can impact, and be impacted by, local, regional and global environmental factors.

Corani is a development stage project. On-site environmental activities include the collection of baseline data related to surface water and biodiversity and the implementation of risk mitigation measures related to weather events. As development plans for Corani continue through engineering phases, emphasis is being placed on renewable energy alternatives for power generation and other strategies designed to maximize efficiency and minimize the environmental impact of the proposed Corani mine.

The Mercedes mine utilizes an Environmental Management System based on the ISO 14001:2015 standard, which considers environmental impact mitigation measures, resource optimization, and key environmental objectives for the operation.

A biodiversity monitoring program has been implemented at Mercedes for mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians, using non-invasive photo-trapping methods, and a program for the rescue and relocation of wildlife in operational areas has been implemented. Mercedes houses a nursery in which plants native to the region are grown and replanted in the area.

Exhaustive treatment of the sanitary wastewater generated at Mercedes is performed, with regular surveillance and monitoring carried out. Efforts to reduce water usage, including an ultrafiltration system that treats the mine’s working water for use in sanitary and personal hygiene services.

Global Resource Engineers is the designated Engineer of Record at the Mercedes mine and is assisting Bear Creek in updating its Tailings Management Plan.

Other environmental plans and programs utilized at Mercedes include:

• The monitoring of surface and underground water quality, both upstream and downstream of the operation.
• Waste management plans (including mining, hazardous waste and special handling), intended to reduce & valorize waste.
• The evaluation and monitoring of acid rock drainage from material banks and tailings dams.
• Tracking and reporting of the atmospheric emissions of greenhouse gases and total suspended particles that are generated by the fixed source chimney.
• Monitoring of perimeter noise levels generated by the operation.