Mining Gold Responsibly
Kinross' commitment to mining gold responsibly is enshrined in our core purpose.
During all stages of the mine cycle – from exploration to mining to reclamation – we ensure all our properties are operating responsibly.
Exploration
Duration
- 3–5 years
- Prospecting to discover and confirm mineral reserves
- Conduct geological survey/geochemical sampling to locate and delineate ore deposits
- Conduct core drilling to determine ore grade and geologic characteristics
- Partner with junior gold companies/exploration partners
- Begin collection of environmental and community baseline information
- Apply Kinross EHS Management System and standards
- Ensure partners and contractors adhere to Kinross EHS standards
- Initiate public consultation and dialogue
- Initiate preliminary assessment of key community, environmental and human rights issues that may arise if a mine is developed
Development
Duration
- 3–5 years
- Design and receive approval for mine construction and operation
- Complete concept, pre-feasibility and feasibility studies
- Complete engineering design of optimal mining method (open-pit or underground) and mineral recovery process during project implementation
- Obtain necessary construction and operating approvals
- Obtain land and water rights
- Develop EHS procedures for construction and operation
- Secure broad community support through informed consultation
- Complete collection of environmental and community baseline information
- Complete assessment of key community, environmental and human rights issues and incorporate management strategies as needed into project design and plan
- Assess availability of local talent pool and services
- Include closure considerations in project design
Construction
Duration
- 2–3 years
- Construct mining facilities in accordance with approvals, requirements and Kinross standards
- Establish skilled construction team to execute development plan
- Construct mine and processing facilities and associated infrastructure, such as roads, power and water lines, and employee facilities
- Train employees and contractors in safety, health and environmental practices, procedures and performance standards
- Train security personnel in human rights
- Maintain high EHS performance standards
- Establish advisory groups and grievance procedures to ensure ongoing transparent dialogue with the communities
- Identify and implement local employment and purchasing opportunities
- Develop plan for transition from construction to operation
Mining
Duration
- 10–35 years (the average life of a gold mine)
- Operate a safe, environmentally sound, socially responsible, profitable, and efficient mining and processing operation
- Drill and blast to access the ore
- Transport ore and country rock for processing or storage
- Concurrently reclaim disturbed land that is no longer needed for operations
- Maintain best-in-class EHS performance by setting clear objectives, maintaining operating procedures, training, monitoring performance and continuous improvement
- Provide rewarding career opportunities and competitive compensation and benefits to employees
- Routinely assess risks and implement risk management measures
- Ensure compliance with International Cyanide Management Code
- Continuously improve energy efficiency and waste minimization
- Maintain ongoing open communication with local communities
- Support capacity building and social investment in the community
- Measure success of community outreach programs through periodic socio-economic studies and surveys
- Regularly update closure plans
Processing
Duration
- 10–35 years (the average life of a gold mine)
- Operate a safe, environmentally sound, socially responsible, profitable, and efficient mining and processing operation
- Mill by crushing and grinding ore and separating metals from rock through flotation or gravity concentration, followed by tank leaching with diluted cyanide solution (milling) or
- Place crushed ore on lined leach pad and dissolve gold with diluted cyanide solution (heap leach)
- Chemically recover gold from solution through electrowinning or precipitation
- Smelt precipitate and produce gold doré bars for shipping to a refinery
- Impound residue from ore processing in tailings area
- Maintain best-in-class EHS performance by setting clear objectives, maintaining operating procedures, training, monitoring performance and continuous improvement
- Provide rewarding career opportunities and competitive compensation and benefits to employees
- Routinely assess risks and implement risk management measures
- Ensure compliance with International Cyanide Management Code
- Continuously improve energy efficiency and waste minimization
- Support capacity building and social investment in the community
- Regularly update closure plans
Closure/
Reclamation
Duration
- 5–20 years (typical time span)
- Close and reclaim mine facilities to achieve approved post-mining land use and maintain environmental quality
- Satisfactory completion and termination of permit obligations
- Execute the approved closure and reclamation plan
- Conduct environmental monitoring to ensure reclamation success and environmental protection
- Maintain best-in-class safety, health and environmental performance
- Assist workforce in transition to new employment opportunities
- Engage with community and other stakeholders regarding closure plans and activities
- Assist community in closure transition