Our Commitment
As a company, we are committed to:
- prioritizing ESG as a key factor in all business decisions
- complying with relevant regulations regarding human rights, health and safety, environmental practices, labour standards, and business practices
- improving the communities in which we work
- improving water efficiency and reducing harm to the environment
- upholding high standards of conduct and avoiding unfair and corrupt business practices
- continuously reviewing and updating our ESG practices as the industry progress
Health and Safety
Strategy
Orex Minerals knows the most important resource for any company is its people. The Company is committed to maintaining comprehensive health and safety protocols to protect employees in the field and in the office. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the necessity for a safe work environment, but safety has always been important for Orex Minerals, our Joint Venture partners, and the various consultants working on our projects.
How we implement this strategy
Ongoing training and awareness are key to keeping safety in the forefront of our crews’ minds. Regular safety meetings are held on each project at the beginning of each work cycle and at beginning of each workday, with a review of safety issues and solutions. Each worker signs a “Plácticas de Seguridad” card.
Orex Minerals provides suitable safety equipment for all field personnel. Safety briefings and signage reiterate the importance of workplace safety. This is most evident around active machinery, such as the diamond drilling rigs.
Community Relations and Charitable Giving
Strategy
Orex Minerals is committed to re-investing in the communities in which we work to show our gratitude, strengthen relationships, and improve the lives of locals in these areas. Participating with the local communities is an important part of every exploration project. This can take many forms, from direct financial contributions to the local Ejido Councils, to supporting community initiatives, to educational training for the local labour force.
How we implement this strategy
For every project, Orex employs local assistance from the communities for labour and services, plus conducts training for locals to become skilled technicians. Independent suppliers of various goods and services in the immediate areas also receive preferential selection. Mexican nationals, geologists and engineers, are contracted for senior positions to aid in carry out the programs of exploration.
One of Orex Minerals’ community relations efforts includes a reforestation campaign. The “Campaña de Reforestacion”, was a project in which surrounding villages’ schoolyards were reforested. Children were given the opportunity to prepare the planting sites and plant saplings to facilitate a sense of ownership and foster an appreciation for the environment.
Another community building initiative undertaken by Orex Minerals was the reparation of small dams (presas), used by ranchers to trap reservoirs of water for their cattle and horses. After rainy season storms in the region caused severe damage, the Company provided materials to aid local ranchers in repairing a series of presas.
As an exploration company, we understand the importance of infrastructure. A village close to one of our projects needed public washrooms near its Central Plaza. Orex provided materials and assisted with labour to construct new facilities for the community, and to create a more comfortable plaza for the locals.
OREX MINERALS INC. RECEIVED RECOGNITION FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE MINING INDUSTRY OF DURANGO, MEXICO
In 2017, José Rosas Aispuro Torres, Governor of the State of Durango, made a presentation to Gary Cope and Ben Whiting of Orex Minerals Inc. for their community service and contributions to the mining industry of Durango, Mexico. From left to right are Luis Brasdefer, Trade Commissioner for the Ministry of Economy of Mexico, Ramón Tomás Dávila Flores, Minister of Economic Development of the State of Durango, Gary Cope, President and CEO of Orex, Governor José Aispuro, and Ben Whiting, Vice President Exploration of Orex. (Photo courtesy of Ana Paulina González Reyes, Undersecretary of Industrial Development of the State of Durango).
School children taking part in tree planting, with joint venture partner Pan American Silver Corp.
Construction repairs to the local ranchers’ small dams (presas).
Construction of public washrooms (banyos) in the Central Plaza (Plaza des Armas).
Capture settling ponds are constructed for recycling diamond drilling water outflow.
“Conocelos y protegelos son parte de tu area de trabajo” (Know them and protect them as they are part of your work area).
Environmental Impact Reduction
Strategy
Orex Minerals is committed to operating with minimal environmental impact. Responsible environmental practices are key to the successful implementation of an exploration program.
How we implement this strategy – reporting
Possible environmental impacts and proposed mitigation strategies are detailed in an “Informe Preventivo” (I.P.), a technical document prepared by environmental consultants in collaboration with Orex Minerals. The I.P. is a major component of notice of work applications filed by Orex with the Federal Ministry of Environmental and Natural Resources – “Secretaria de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales” (SAMARNAT). The I.P. contains details of existing flora and fauna assemblages and addresses all aspects of potential impact, including water, soil and air quality, as well as noise and visual pollution. Orex is dedicated to reducing the footprint of mineral exploration activities on the land and reclamation programs are ongoing throughout the year.
How we implement this strategy- sustainable technology
Orex uses “man-portable” drilling equipment, which is hauled to drill locations in pieces and assembled on site. Depending on terrain, this process can be conducted using hand cut all-terrain vehicle tracks to replace bulldozer roads. This process can be a little slower to construct, but it allows access to previously unexplored areas, with very little surface disturbance. In select rugged areas, the use of mules and burros can also be employed for moving equipment, fuel and consumables. Once the crew is finished drilling in an area, the drill pads are removed to be used again and recontouring and seeding of pads and paths is performed to restore grasses in that area.
How we implement this strategy- water efficiency
Orex Minerals and its contractors perform land reclamation and water recycling during rock saw cutting and diamond drilling. Our diamond drilling procedures use water pumped down rods to cool the diamond tipped drill bit, as a result, rock powder comes up with the outflow. This water is caught in settling ponds and reused for the drilling procedure.
How we implement this strategy- respecting the land
Our Company and its partners respect the areas in which we work and seek to educate our workers on how to properly treat the unique ecosystem in which we operate. For example, below is an educational sign describing the local cactus species for protection, created with our joint venture partner Fresnillo. Both the Company and our partners consider and strive to protect the local flora and fauna.