Initiatives through Dialogue at Workplaces

The SMM Group collaborates with local governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to engage in dialogue with indigenous peoples directly affected by its business activities.
In the Philippines, after acquiring Environmental Compliance Certificates through many consultations with stakeholders, including governments and indigenous peoples, we started operating Coral Bay Nickel Corporation (CBNC) in 2005 and Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation (THPAL) in 2013. Even after operations started, we established organizations to carry out community development (Social Development) in accordance with local laws and regulations, and are engaged in a Social Development and Management Program (SDMP). Specifically, CBNC holds regular information exchanges with 22 barangays,^* including 11 “impact barangays” near Rio Tuba, while THPAL holds them with 14 barangays, including four neighboring “impact barangays.” Based on these exchanges, budgets are prepared for the categories of health, education, welfare, livelihood, etc., and free health checkups, medical treatment, agricultural assistance, etc. are provided after obtaining approval from the local government. In addition, we also separately budget for activities not included in the SDMP, such as the construction of schools and assembly halls for indigenous peoples to educate them about their culture and unique languages.
In Canada, together with, IAMGOLD Corporation, our partner in the Cote Gold Project for which the decision to begin construction was made in 2020, we have held ongoing dialogue with indigenous groups affected by it, as well as providing explanations before gaining approvals, with the aim of helping them understand the project. We have fostered relationships of mutual trust and understanding with the organization through participation in initiatives such as cultural workshops hosted by the organization, and as a result, we were able to conclude an Impact Benefit Agreement. Currently, we are working with indigenous groups and partners to construct a new lake to compensate for the existing lake on the proposed development site, and are conducting environmental activities in cooperation with the local community, including the conservation of biodiversity by releasing aquatic organisms from the existing lake into the new lake and surrounding water system.
Moreover, there have been no incidents of serious conflicts concerning land use or the customary rights of indigenous peoples reported in the vicinity of any of the mines or smelters and refineries in which we have more than 50% interest. There have also been no such incidents reported through channels including JaCER (grievance remedy platform).

• The smallest administrative division that makes up cities and towns in the Philippines, and denotes a village, district, or ward.