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Victor Project: Environment |
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De Beers' strong environmental commitment has guided the development of feasibility layouts, design and operating procedures for the Victor Project. Extensive consultation with government agencies and the Attawapiskat First Nation will continue throughout the life of the Victor Mine to ensure that project concepts are consistent with regulatory requirements, in line with De Beers Best Practice Principles and stakeholder interests while providing socio-economic benefits to the region.
On May 22, 2004 the Victor Project received stand-alone ISO 14001 accreditation for its Environmental Management System (EMS), where before it was accredited as part of the company's exploration EMS. The EMS currently covers the "Care and Maintenance" phase of the project. The EMS has been expanded to include the "construction" phase.
The primary environmental considerations at Victor are water, fisheries, waste management as well as wildlife and habitat displacement. Proper planning and an aggressive rehabilitation program for the construction, operations and closure of the mine will address these issues. Environmental monitoring will not only take place throughout the life of the project, but continue several years after closure to ensure that the site is closed out responsibly and safely, and that the environment is protected.
De Beers is currently working in cooperation with Laurentian University to conduct research into the revegetation of the Victor Project site using indigenous plants. These trials will ensure that no non-native plant species are introduced to the environment and will also provide information assisting in the development of mine reclamation practices.
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