Health, Safety & Environment

Avocet is committed to achieving a safe and healthy working environment throughout its businesses and the prevention of serious accidents and injuries is top priority. As a reflection of this commitment, the Company will:

• Seek continuous improvement in its occupational health and safety performance taking into account evolving community expectations, management practices, scientific knowledge and technology;
• Comply with all applicable laws, regulations and standards and where adequate laws do not exist, adopt and apply World Bank standards;
• Involve employees and contractors in the improvement of occupational health and safety performance;
• Train and hold individual employees accountable for their area of responsibility;
• Manage risk by implementing management systems to identify, assess, monitor and control hazards and by reviewing performance; and
• Communicate openly with employees, government and the community on occupational health and safety issues, and contribute to the development of relevant occupational health and safety policy, legislation and regulations.
  

The Company is mindful of the need to operate responsibly with regard to environmental matters, and every effort is made to ensure compliance is always a top priority. North Lanut was also awarded the Bronze Award for Environmental Excellence (Mining Industry) and the Silver Award for Safety Excellence (Mining Industry) in 2006.

Health, safety and environment matters are discussed with local management during every visit by the Group's executive directors to mine, development or exploration sites. The Group's local management will immediately report any employee accident, breach of health, safety or environmental regulation, or change in local regulations to the Chief Executive Officer who will immediately inform the board as necessary.

Community Relations

Penjom is recognised by Malaysian government agencies as a role model in the mining industry for safety, environmental, rehabilitation and mining practices. Under a Penjom initiative aimed at raising the standard of the local mining industry, the Department of Mineral and Geosciences uses the mine as one of two training centres for its young officers to gain experience in hardrock mining operations. This commitment extends to student industrial training as well as hosting educational field studies and visits, and these are seen by Penjom as an important opportunity to demonstrate to the public the industry's commitment to safety, health, environment and rehabilitation matters. Skills development programs for local employees have successfully nurtured a highly skilled Malaysian workforce, and Penjom supported local and regional community initiatives during the year. In addition, the mine is an important employer in the region and made a wider contribution through its procurement of goods and services from local contractors and suppliers.


North Lanut has a number of community related initiatives. These include improving roads and infrastructure near the mine and a community development plan for the seven villages in the district through consultation with community appointed representatives. Other projects during the year included development of clean water supply systems for a further two villages, construction of communal bath houses in three villages and renovation of village government offices and meeting halls. Technical assistance continued to be provided to agricultural groups and an animal husbandry program was established in several villages. The mine expanded support to underprivileged groups including low income families and several orphanages by providing basic foodstuffs and scholastic support where required. A scholarship program was implemented for school and university students with the latter also being provided with work experience and on-the-job training. The mine is recognised by the government, public and media for its rapid assistance during times of hardship. During 2006 the mine received a number of recommendations from a local university under a partnership established to monitor and assess the social and economic impact of the Company's activities. These recommendations were incorporated into its ongoing programs.