Building a positive and constructive relationship with the communities in which we work is central for SilverCrest Mines Inc ("Company"). We are dedicated to collaborating with local partners to develop programs that create long-term economic and social benefits for communities and that are sustainable beyond the duration of our mining operations. We aim to engage our stakeholders in an inclusive process in order to adequately understand local realities and identify strategies for achieving sustainability goals. We seek respectful and meaningful partnerships to ensure local values and priorities are at the core of all community development initiatives.
Asociación Civil Impulso Koria de Banámichi, a locally-run Non-Profit Organization, was established and sponsored by the Company. Based in the town of Banámichi, Impulso Koria's mission is to implement sustainable programs and projects in communities of the Sonoran River basin where the Santa Elena Mine is located. Programs are designed in response to locally-identified needs in areas of health, education, small-business development, local entrepreneurship, and arts & culture. Still a relatively new organization, Impulso Koria has gained an important local presence and is rapidly expanding its programs and resources.
Some notable initiatives to date include a scholarship program for local students pursuing post-secondary education. Initiated almost one year ago, the program now supports 15 students and continues to accept candidates. Other opportunities for local students include an internship program, and ongoing bird-watching program on-site.
The Company undertook the construction of an outdoor roof for a local elementary school, and made a significant donation of construction material to a school for children with special needs.
In support of local health services, an ambulance as well as fuel costs was donated to the community of Banámichi, along with medical testing equipment required for a cancer awareness campaign.
Municipality Support; the Company will continue to support the Municipal government of Banámichi with adequate annual donations for upgrading sewage treatment, police, medical doctor and supplies, ambulance maintenance, road repairs, help with municipality landfill and other infrastructure needs. All support from the Company to the municipality will greatly enhance the quality of life in Banámichi and surrounding areas.
SilverCrest Mines Inc. ("Company") strives for excellence in meeting regional environmental regulations and international guidelines. We promote the sustainable management of natural ecosystems and work to adopt practices that address conservation needs. We create a culture of environmental awareness by educating our employees and communities in good practices, facilitating communication with local communities on relevant issues and managing our ecological footprint on an ongoing basis.
Apart from implementing important recommendations from experts and authorities, the Company has taken a variety of initiatives that display our leadership in environmental responsibility. We recognize that reclamation planning must take place from the very beginning of a project life-cycle. A nursery for the conservation of organic soil and more than two-thousand germinating plants was built, along with an ecological tool house, all intended for an effective and successful future reclamation phase.
With emphasis on teamwork, the Company facilitates comprehensive training courses for employees on industry-specific environmental issues. Composting and recycling programs were implemented on-site and have achieved high participation. These "lead by example" programs are being introduced to local communities.
SilverCrest Mines Inc. ("Company") is committed to maintaining the highest health and safety standards in the workplace at all times and takes a proactive approach to risk aversion. Through strong leadership and education, we ensure that our employees acquire an extensive understanding of industry-specific hazards. We provide employees with adequate training in order to apply an advanced level of risk identification, analysis and management to their work.
An internationally recognized Safety Training Observation Program ("STOP") has been implemented on-site to increase safety awareness. This behavioural-based program fosters effective communication among coworkers, highlights accountability of supervisors, and encourages an equally shared responsibility for workplace safety.
Reward and recognition of exemplary conduct is important for instilling awareness in the workplace. Employee guidelines and production bonus's to Company personnel is directly linked to safety, environmental protection and good house-keeping performance.
