Environment
Mining by its very nature can have a significant effect on the environment. Ma'aden is committed to ensuring that all of its operations have the minimum possible effect on the environment both during and after the completion of mining activities. Before we begin operations in an area, we are committed to developing a plan for repatriating the site after operations have been completed.
Ma'aden has an overriding commitment to performing all of its activities in accordance with international environmental standards. The company aims to continually improve its performance with regards to safeguarding the environment.
Ma'aden has conducted a number of investigations on the environmental effects of mining, as well as numerous environmental studies specifically on its new mining sites. These studies were conducted by internationally-recognized, specialist companies (SRK, GHD and SNC-Lavalin) under the supervision and support of Ma'aden's.
HSE Department. The investigations took place over a number of years and included the following:
- The geological and topographical description of sites.
- Installation of meteorological equipment to observe weather conditions (temperature, wind speed and direction, solar heat radiation, relative humidity and rainfall).
- Analyses of air quality and polluting agents.
- Noise analyses.
- Comprehensive surveys of water sources (periodical analyses of underground and surface waters).
- Comprehensive survey and classification of soil.
- Comprehensive surveys and classification of wildlife and natural vegetation cover, and a study on the effects of mining on these.
- Comprehensive survey of socio-economics at the sites.
Operational mines are controlled under strict, periodic environmental monitoring programs, which include underground water and air quality studies. As a testament to its commitment to the protection of the environment, Ma'aden factors in the results of such investigation into all of its operational phases, as well as into its business decision-making and planning.
our business
Director's Report 2010
