ESG
Environment, Social and Corporate Governance
ENVIRONMENT
We abide by the international standards and best practices of the UN Sustainable Development Goals
As a leading mining company, the BGV Graphite project team is committed to environmental practices and compliance with all respective international environmental standards and Ukrainian regulations. We are committed to responsible mining and processing of graphite ore, ensuring the preservation of the environment and well-being of local communities.
We believe that a responsible approach to mining is essential to protect the vulnerable components of the environment. In our activities, we are guided by the requirements set forth in ISO 14001 and by other relevant standards and legislation of Ukraine, to minimise the impact on the environment and promote balanced environmental management. Our approach to mining is focused on sustainable resource management. We ensure that our activities have a minimal impact on the environment. Our team of experts is constantly evaluating and improving ore mining and processing technologies to further minimise waste, emissions, and resource consumption.
We cooperate with international organisations
To achieve the most efficient use of natural resources and minimise the impact on the environment of the mining and production of graphite concentrate, we cooperate with leading international partners such as Dorfner Anzaplan GmbH, M.Plan International Limited, and Metso.
We support environmental responsibility and the rational use of natural resources
Our guiding principles are environmental responsibility and the rational use of natural resources. And with our commitment to complying with international environmental standards, we aim to pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future. For the purpose of rational use of land resources at the later stages of deposit development, we plan to store overburden in the open space of the quarry with further reclamation. We also plan to biologically remediate the used tailings storage facility. Black soil stored in a separate warehouse will be used for reclamation.
We protect biodiversity
Our team attaches great importance to biodiversity conservation. Before starting operations, we conduct a thorough environmental impact assessment to identify potential risks to local flora and fauna. We work closely with biologists and experts at SI Institute of Environmental Geochemistry of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine to develop and implement comprehensive biodiversity management plans, ensuring the protection of local species and their habitats. In Q4 2022 — Q3 2023 SI Institute of Environmental Geochemistry of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine performed a comprehensive assessment of background environmental indicators within the territory of the Balakhivka deposit.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
We understand that mining activities can have an impact on the environment and the population, so we pay special attention to environmental monitoring and protection measures.
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Environmental monitoring
We will conduct seasonal environmental studies in the area of the planned location of the plant on a regular basis. This will allow us to detect any negative changes in a timely manner and take the necessary measures to correct them.
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Technological innovations
With the introduction of cutting-edge technologies we can efficiently extract graphite ore whilst minimising environmental risks. We have refined the mining process to reduce its negative impact on the population, employees (in accordance with the requirements of the international standard OHSAS 18001) and the environment, namely:
We have abandoned the harmful technology of hydrofluoric acid (HF) use in the chemical purification of spherical graphite.
We utilise green technologies in the SPG production process. In 2024, laboratory and pilot tests of two green SPG purification technologies are being conducted: caustic sintering followed by leaching (Dorfner Anzaplan GmbH) and thermal enrichment (American Energy Technologies Company).
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND JOBS
Cooperation with local communities
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We are committed to establishing partnerships with local communities, analysing their concerns and responding to their needs. Our company actively promotes the development and support of local initiatives aimed at environmental protection and social welfare.
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Whilst working on the BGV Graphite project, the team is successfully building partnerships with the local community and regional administration and conducting an ongoing social dialogue to understand local issues and needs. Open dialogue and cooperation help solve community problems, provide economic opportunities, and support local development initiatives.
Social and economic partnership
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For 4 years now, our company has been annually signing a socio-economic partnership agreement with the local community to address urgent needs, social issues, and provide funding for individual local self-government programmes. In particular, during the COVID-19 pandemic, our business repeatedly provided financial assistance to a local hospital for the purchase of medical equipment and other necessary personal protective equipment.
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The company purchased sound equipment for the local cultural centre, repaired the drinking water system for the population of the community, and financed the repair of public transport stops. The company is now financing major renovations to the medical and obstetric centre in the village of Balakhivka.
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Our team held the BGV Graphite project presentation at the Kirovohrad Regional State Administration. The project was supported by the Chief Executive of the region and the corps of deputies, and it was identified as being socially important for the development of the local community and the region and will have a large positive impact on all areas of the region.
Jobs
The launch and operation of the plant will guarantee the creation of a large number of jobs in the region:
jobs