Environment

Overview

We seek to minimize the company’s environmental footprint through implementing environmentally responsible practices through all phases of the mining life cycle. We view effective management of the environmental aspects at our operations as critical to our success as an organization. Sound environmental practices are considered to be a core element in our operations. We will continuously look to reduce energy consumption and we believe that we can reduce our impact on the environment. We are committed to ensuring that the environment is protected for generations to come.

The Company Environmental management process is centered on five core elements:

• Implementation of efficient and realistic environmental administration systems with the goal of continuous improvement in environmental performance;
• Compliance with all local environmental laws and regulations and adherence to international standards practices;
• Prevention and mitigation of and compensation for all negative environmental impacts of its operations and control for associated risks;
• Prevention and reduction of all contaminant emissions, integration of environmentally oriented technologies and materials, and the establishment of operating procedures that guarantees the efficient use of raw materials and energy; and
• Open communication of environmental plans and programs, cooperation with the government, community, clients and providers towards proper management of raw materials, products and waste related to the production process.

Policy

Download the policy here.

12 Month Performance

There were no significant environmental incidents reported in 2011.

In 2011, the Company provided over 5,300 hours of general environmental training to employees and contractors at its operations. This training provides workers with the knowledge required to recognize and respond to environmental issues/incidents at their site.

AuRico will continue to look at methods of reducing direct energy consumption, whilst improving efficiencies with the aim of significant energy savings. Some examples of what we are doing at our operations includes:

• Reducing the haulage travel times and distances of vehicles
• Waste oil was utilized as a heating source at the underground change house facility at the Ocampo operations
• Reviewing crushing times to ensure we crush during non-peak hours when possible

The Company has registered with the Mexico Greenhouse Gas Program, a public-private initiative that aims to reduce emissions and identify opportunities for effective emission management. In 2011, the Company continued to work with the GHG Program to enhance its emissions tracking and reduction of greenhouse gases.

Water recycling is paramount our operations, we endeavor to recycle and reuse as much water as possible, using this water back in the processing facilities and for dust suppression. The Company monitors any water released from the sites to ensure that it complies with the relevant regulations regarding water discharge quality.