Community & Sustainability
Mirabela is committed to a sustainable approach to the development of Santa Rita mine.
To achieve its sustainability goals, Mirabela is focused on eco-efficiency, education and development within the communities in which it operates, social actions and minimising environmental impacts.
Mirabela has developed partnerships with non-government organisations (NGOs), local government, representative entities and other sectors from the civil society.
Community
Mirabela has worked closely with the local Bahia community through the exploration, development and construction phases of the Santa Rita project.
Once in operation, the project will employ about 1,500 people directly and indirectly from the nearby communities of Itagiba and Ipiaú – both within six kilometres of the project.
The project has attracted significant support from the local, state and federal governments in Brazil.
Strategic partnerships have been established with two local NGOs to work with the community in line with the Company’s environment and socio-economic policies. As a result of these partnerships, Mirabela has implemented an education program to assist local community members develop their skills base for potential employment within the Santa Rita mine.
Mirabela has also assisted in the refurbishment of the nearby Agricultural School Chico Mendes. Built in the late 1980s, the school provides specific education programs to support the region’s important agriculture industry. Mirabela’s support for the school is helping to increase the student numbers and maintain a sustainable agriculture industry for the future.
Environment
Throughout the development of Santa Rita, Mirabela has been focused on maintaining biodiversity, preserving the environment, and thus preserving the bio-physical environment for future generations.
In conjunction with ecological group Papamel, Mirabela has also developed a local program to encourage waste recycling as an avenue to conserve energy and natural resources. The program included the establishment of the Ecological St Johns day, during which recycling ideas and processes are demonstrated to the local communities.
Mirabela’s operations are also undertaken in compliance with Brazilian Federal and State environmental regulation in relation to exploration and development activities. The Company is not aware of any breaches of the relevant environmental legislation.
Employment / Health and Safety
Once in operation, the project will employ about 1,500 people directly and indirectly from the nearby community of Itabiba and Ipiaú – both within six kilometres of the project.
Mirabela has a principal aim to assist in improving the life quality of its employees. Mirabela has formed partnerships with local groups such as the SENAI – National Service of Industrial Learning, FIEB – Alliance of Industries of the State of Bahia, and SESI – Social Service of Industry, to help achieve this goal.
SESI is nationally recognised for its work in working with organisations and industries to advance the health, safety and education of their workforce. Its programs include:
- Program to Educate Workers – which aims to eradicate illiteracy;
- Program of Health and Safety in The Work Place – which aims to keep the industry updated in topics related to occupational health and safety; and
- Program of Physical Exercise and Art Craft.
