EL SAUZAL

HEALTH AND SAFETY

El Sauzal worked with government agencies during 2006 to improve on safety performance and environmental requirements.  The mine recorded no lost time accidents in 2006.  Through efforts of the entire workforce, the site was awarded a ‘Clean Industry Certificate’ from the Mexican federal agency for environmental protection.

In March 2008, The International Cyanide Management Institute (ICMI) announced that El Sauzal mine had been certified as compliant with the International Cyanide Management Code(Code).

The Code is a voluntary industry program for companies involved in the production of gold using cyanide and companies producing and transporting this cyanide.  It was developed under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Program by a multi-stakeholder Steering Committee.  The Code is intended to complement an operation's existing obligation to comply with the applicable laws and regulations of the political jusisdictions in which the operation is located.