Social Responsibility

European Goldfields is committed to the highest standards of sustainable practices in every area of our operations through a balance of social, economic and environmental considerations. Our goal is to maintain or exceed industry best practice standards for mining, processing, environment and health and safety.  We endeavour to have a positive impact throughout our organisation and in the communities in which we operate by fostering an atmosphere which encourages open and transparent relationships with community bodies, government officials and other stakeholders.

Corporate Social Responsibility Policy (135 Kb PDF)

We are committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment, and will not compromise the health and safety of any individual, for any reason. Our goal is to protect the health and safety of all individuals affected by our activities, including our employees, contractors and the public, and to promote responsible environmental practices and continuous improvement.

EGU recognises that environmental protection and resource conservation are imperative to a sustainable environment and effectively integrates these concepts into our business decision-making. All employees and contractors are provided continuous training to ensure an understanding of their environmental responsibilities and to foster an environment of safe working attitudes.

The following measures were recently taken at our Stratoni operation as part of an ongoing effort to continually improve the Company’s environmental performance:

• Tailings switched from slurry disposal to dry filter cake disposal, to provide long-term storage without additional land take
• Water diversion works and recontouring of previously caved area, to reduce water inflow into old sub-level cave workings and direct water through water treatment plant
• Mined-out portions of the Madem Lakkos mine backfilled  to improve mine water quality
• Mine water distribution system improved by adding new boreholes to minimise overland piping
• Second water treatment plant installed close to source of mine water, doubling treatment capacity to cater for peak storm conditions and to minimise overland piping
• Sprinkler system installed to allay dust on dirt road used by ore haulage trucks
• Old mining debris and waste removed to improve general mine surface environment, including rehabilitation of Stratoni Village beach area
• Replacement of asbestos roofing sheets
• Historic Stratoni pyrite stockpiles closed to prevent acid drainage
• Processing and recycling of mine waste rock to provide mine site road fill and aggregates for local contractors 

As part of our program of strong community engagement, we strive to make meaningful contributions to our local communities and minimize the environmental footprint in those areas.  In so doing, respect for the cultures, customs and values of all who have an interest in our activities is paramount.

EGU places great importance on collaborative, consultative, and partnership approaches in our local communities.  EGU supports innovative programs in social services and the environment, cultural and civic projects, as well as a policy of recruiting young people locally.
As part of our ongoing community investment program, the Company has recently undertaken the following activities:

In Greece:

• Central village square reconstructed in Stratoni, with war memorial
• Stratoni village entrance improved and beach lighting installed
• New wells for potable water installed in Stratoniki and Stagira villages
• Playgrounds in Stratoni and Stratoniki installed
• Study for installation of a new sewage system plant for Stratoni, Stratoniki and Stragira financed (240,000 Euro)
• New Guesthouse in Stratoniki planned
• New tar roads installed in Stratoniki village
• Stagira community centre refurbished
• Creeks in Stratoni cleaned of debris and litter, to make them more attractive and reduce risk of flooding
• Equipment provided for clean-up operations in Olympiada, Neohori and Paleohori after floods of October 2006

In Romania:

• Repairs made to roads in Hondol village
• Sponsorship of Certej village activities including community days, activities for the elderly and a local football team
• Helped with repairs to Certej village church
• Supported the community in their application for a Government grant to fund new pipeline project.  Resulted in 100% project finance and homes supplied with potable water
• Deva Gold employees donated 2% of their income tax to a local family to fund medical treatment for triplets suffering with Cerebral Palsy