Environmental & Rehabilitation Policy

Our commitment

Mining, by its nature, affects the environment. Kursi Group is committed to preventing pollution, using resources efficiently, protecting water and biodiversity, and returning land to a safe, stable and productive state once mining ends. Our aim is for every operation to leave as small a mark as possible while still unlocking the value of the resource.

Legal framework

We comply with, as a minimum:

• the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007 and Nigerian Minerals and Mining Regulations 2011, including the requirement for an Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation Programme and contributions to the Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation Fund, overseen by the Mines Environmental Compliance Department;
• the Environmental Impact Assessment Act (Cap E12, LFN 2004);
• the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (Establishment) Act 2007 and the National Environmental (Mining and Processing of Coal, Ores and Industrial Minerals) Regulations;
• the Climate Change Act 2021;
• the National Water Resources requirements and the Harmful Waste (Special Criminal Provisions etc.) Act; and
• state environmental laws and the conditions of our permits.

We also draw on international good practice, including ISO 14001, the International Cyanide Management Code and the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management, as relevant to our operations.

Our principles

• Assess before we act. Every new mine, plant or major expansion is preceded by an Environmental Impact Assessment with public consultation, and we implement the mitigation measures it identifies.
• Water stewardship. We use lined ponds and leach pads, recycle process water, separate clean and dirty water, monitor surface and groundwater quality, and never discharge untreated process water.
• Chemicals and tailings. Cyanide, acids and other reagents are stored, used and destroyed under strict controls. Tailings facilities are designed, operated and inspected to prevent failure and seepage.
• Waste. We reduce, reuse and recycle where possible, and dispose of hazardous waste only through licensed contractors.
• Air quality and noise. We control dust from roads, crushers and stockpiles, and manage noise and blasting vibration to protect neighbours.
• Energy and climate. We improve energy efficiency, increase the use of renewable energy such as solar where practical, and track our greenhouse gas emissions.
• Biodiversity. We avoid protected areas and minimise land clearing, and we protect watercourses and sensitive habitats around our sites.
• No mercury. We do not use mercury in our processing, and we discourage its use among artisanal suppliers.

Rehabilitation and closure

Every site has a rehabilitation and closure plan from the start of operations, updated as the mine develops and costed so that funds are available when needed. We rehabilitate progressively — backfilling, re-contouring, replacing topsoil and re-vegetating land as soon as areas are no longer needed — and agree post-mining land uses with host communities and the authorities.

Monitoring and reporting

We monitor our environmental performance, investigate incidents, report to regulators as required, and will move toward regular public reporting against measurable targets.

Responsibilities

The Board approves this policy and oversees environmental performance. Site managers are accountable for its implementation, supported by environmental specialists. All employees and contractors must follow environmental procedures and report incidents immediately.