Climate Change Data

Environmental Metrics

Social Achievements

• Working directly with Alaskan villages to employ residents in exploration programs, including mechanics, geotechnicians, core cutters, administrative staff, camp services staff, heavy equipment operators, drill helpers, and environmental technicians.
• Established a Workforce Development Committee with NANA to assist with developing a local workforce.
• Existing contracts with native-affiliated companies providing camp catering and environmental services.

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• COVID-19 pandemic impacting exploration and development activities, employee health, workforce productivity, insurance premiums, and supply chain.
• Remote location of Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects with limited infrastructure and access.
• Dependence on South32 for development of Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects.
• Volatility in metal prices affecting financing and operations.
• Potential challenges in obtaining and maintaining necessary permits and approvals.
• Inherent risks associated with mining operations, including geological formations, processing problems, environmental hazards, and labor disruptions.
• Uncertainty in acquiring commercially mineable mineral rights.
• Significant governmental regulations governing environmental protection, resource management, and mine safety.
• Potential for legal proceedings.
• Attracting and retaining qualified personnel.
• Conflicts of interest among some directors and officers.
• Adverse publicity from non-governmental organizations.
• Maintaining adequacy of internal control over financial reporting.
• Increased regulatory compliance costs.

Mitigation Strategies

• Collaborations with local communities in Alaska, including Native Alaskan groups, to minimize environmental impact and develop responsible operations.
• Working with South32 to develop strategies to address challenges and advance projects.
• Developing alternative sourcing strategies (implied in risk mitigation discussion).
• Implementing safety protocols and procedures to mitigate risks associated with mining operations.
• Proactive engagement with governmental agencies to obtain and maintain necessary permits and approvals.
• Developing and implementing comprehensive reclamation and closure plans.
• Recruiting and retaining experienced management personnel and evaluating required expertise and skills.
• Establishing procedures to manage conflicts of interest among directors and officers.
• Maintaining open communication with stakeholders to address concerns and maintain social license to operate.
• Implementing and testing internal control procedures to satisfy requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Supply Chain Management

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: NI 43-101