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As
the world's leading diamond mining company, De Beers
is committed to the development of local policies and procedures
to minimize the impact of mining on the natural landscape,
and to ensure a safe and healthy environment for the communities
in which we operate. De Beers' commitment to best environmental
management practices has been recognized in other areas where
we operate. We recognize that conditions in Canada are unique
and we will strive to attain a comparable level of achievement
in our Canadian Environmental Management System (EMS). At
the end of 2001, all of De Beers' Canadian exploration
offices achieved ISO 14001
certification. This represents an important milestone
in the company's environmental management program.
Please click here to
read our environmental policy.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Detailed site-specific plans are developed in consultation
early in project planning and are formulated in accordance
with established environmental codes of practice. Plans address
soil, vegetation and wildlife issues, air quality, and water
and energy conservation. The objective of the EMS is to identify
and mitigate impacts during planning and operation, and to
leave a productive, self-sustaining and hazard-free post-mining
environment.
RESOURCE MINING
Compared to other types of mining, diamond mining has less
adverse impact on the environment. Recovering diamonds from
the ore-bearing gravel or kimberlite requires a crushing, washing
and screening process to which no chemicals are added. The
application of environmental management practices helps protect
the air, land and water during the active life of the mine.
Modern rehabilitation techniques, aided by the knowledge of
traditional land users, enable the restoration of the environmental
health and productivity of the area.
INFRASTRUCTURE
In addition to the mine itself, access road and transmission
lines are required to operate the site. In Canada's north,
ice runways and seasonal roads present options to the construction
of permanent facilities. Options such as these are reviewed
as part of the feasibility study for a mine.
IMPACT MANAGEMENT
We recognize that all mining has an impact on the environment.
Yet, with the careful planning to which De Beers Canada
is committed, and through consultation with all of its stakeholders
and community partners, the environmental disturbance caused
by diamond exploration and activity can be minimized. De Beers
Canada believes that potentially sensitive social and environmental
issues must be identified early in the planning process.
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