Environmental & Social Responsibility Award

This award honours an individual or organization demonstrating outstanding initiative, leadership and accomplishment in protecting and preserving the natural environment and/or in establishing good community relations during an exploration program or operation of a mine.

Two companies have won this year’s Environmental & Social Responsibility Award: De Beers Canada and Avalon Rare Metals Inc.

De Beers Canada is recognized for its commitment to its employees, the environment and the communities located close to its two Canadian diamond mines — Snap Lake, NWT, its first mine outside Africa, and Victor Mine, the first diamond mine in Ontario. Both mines were opened in 2008. The company’s first Report to Society, published in 2009, notes that De Beers’ corporate social investment amounted to more than $3.6 million in 2008, including $2.8 million on education, training and youth (literacy). More than 30% of its employees are aboriginal.

Avalon Rare Metals has been a leader in promoting responsible exploration practices, emphasizing early engagement and open communication with communities around its Thor Lake, NWT, rare earth project, Nechalacho. The company has encouraged skills training and employment opportunities for aboriginal people and has offered joint business opportunities. Committed to protecting the fragile environment of the North, Avalon was the first company to adopt the PDAC’s e3 Plus principles and guidance. Company officials have been instrumental in the program’s development and in advancing its use within the exploration industry.