Climate Change Data

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Economic
• Environmental
• Social
• Governance

Environmental Achievements

• Planted 6.0 hectares of open brushlands inside its mineral claims
• Reduced electricity consumption by 1.33% resulting in a reduction of GHG emission (Scope 2) by 26.01 CO2e vs 2021
• Recycled 106,057.55 cubic meters of water

Social Achievements

• Provided medical assistance to the local government unit in Itogon during the Covid-19 pandemic
• Implemented various Social Development and Management Programs (SDMP) with 89.16% implementation performance
• Increased training hours from 1,018 in 2021 to 6,322 in 2022

Governance Achievements

• 100% of employees and business partners received communication on anti-corruption policies and procedures
• 100% of directors and management received anti-corruption training
• Recognized as the top performing publicly-listed company of the Philippines under the 2021 ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS)

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Appreciation of the Philippine Peso versus US dollar
• Lower ore grades and mineable ore reserves
• Everchanging policies toward mining industry
• Illegal intrusion by small-scale miners
• High-grading/pilferage of high-grade ore
• Uncontrolled entry of hazardous substance/explosives inside camp
• Unstable supply of electric power and unscheduled power interruption
• Increased power rates affecting revenue
• Depleting/dwindling mineral resources
• Intrusion of small-scale miners depleting resources and reducing company revenues
• Negative environmental effects from underground mining unless properly remediated
• Scarcity of timber for mine support due to nationwide logging ban
• Delay in the delivery of imported supplies and materials/equipment parts
• Sub-standard quality of supplies and materials or products
• Limited funds for local suppliers to expand
• Expensive and delayed delivery of imported materials
• High turnover rate due to opening of local and international borders
• Potential environmental risk like water contamination
• Siltation along the river system due to deposition of non-toxic tailings or sediments
• Health hazard if hazardous waste not properly managed
• Violation of R.A. 9275 provisions (Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004)
• Failure to collect and dispose solid wastes on time
• Potential risk of income/profit loss due to corruption or pilferages
• Risk of water quality compromise if good housekeeping not properly observed
• Increased population and business establishments increasing water demand
• High water competition with illegal small-scale miners during dry season
• Fluctuating world market price of diesel and bunker fuel
• Low grade of ore from the mining operation affecting milling cost
• Pilferage of processed and unprocessed ore
• Misappropriation – inappropriate target/goal setting affecting revenue projection
• Illegal cutting of trees and squatting
• Illegal cattle grazing
• Forest/bush fire
• Prolonged exposure of kiln operators to heat
• Inhaling of dust from feed materials and fumes
• Breakdown of the air compressor machine/equipment
• Poor ventilation
• Ambiguity in the policies and guidelines regarding PPAs’ implementation

Mitigation Strategies

• Implementation of staggered increase in milling cost charges to contractors and advancement of mine development
• Increased milling charges to contractors due to rise of power consumption charges
• Ensuring all regulatory requirements are religiously complied with
• Implementing work programs according to approved plans
• Delivering commitments to stakeholders
• Paying taxes
• Giving employees’ statutory benefits
• Putting measures in place to prevent or mitigate negative impacts of operation
• Striving to diversify into other business prospects
• Close monitoring of production performance and providing solutions to issues
• Increased security surveillance and visibility of security personnel
• Installed security cameras
• Implementing best practices and adopting an environmental policy statement consistent with ISO:14001-2015 Certification
• Maintaining strong relationships with IPs and LGUs
• Providing full cooperation to regulators
• Implementing IATF programs to prevent the spread of the virus
• Strengthened mining strategy with advanced development
• Continuous cost monitoring of power consumption
• Strict observance of corporate governance mechanism
• Intensified watershed development and management by implementing reforestation program
• Implementing reforestation programs
• Increased preventive maintenance schedule of anti-pollution devices
• Reduced dust emissions with dust suppressor system
• Regular preventive maintenance program on vehicles and equipment
• Putting all environmental safeguards in place
• Regular operations meetings to discuss production activities vs. targets
• Daily and weekly updates on accomplishments
• Bi-monthly meetings to discuss matters arising from previous operations reports
• Timely submission of quarterly and annual reports to regulatory agencies
• Long-term planning on mining development
• Prioritizing suppliers with ISO 14001-2015 Certification
• Risk-based approach in assessing suppliers
• Engaging suppliers through a commercial framework aligned with BC’s Purchasing Policy
• Adopting an Anti-fraud, Corruption and Whistleblowing Policy
• Disseminating anti-corruption policies and programs to employees
• Implementing face-to-face and webinar trainings
• Prompt submission of documents and compliances with government requirements
• Maintaining good relationship and close communication with concerned regulatory agencies
• Strengthening security measures and surveillance
• Close monitoring of production vs budget and revising projections
• Conducting regular preventive maintenance
• Conducting regular monitoring of small-scale miners’ operation
• Implementing immediate disconnection of illegally connected power lines
• Intensified forest protection activities
• Conducting regular foot patrol
• Implementing regular preventive maintenance program of machines and equipment
• Having available spare parts in the warehouse
• Implementing regular air quality monitoring
• Reducing dust pollution through a dust suppressor system
• Regular system maintenance of underground ventilation machines and blowers
• Providing respirators
• Following protocols on proper management, storage, use and handling of chemicals and reagents
• Practicing waste segregation at source
• Regular monitoring of Company policy on waste labelling and disposal
• Reminding hauling contractor to provide enough PPE to their workers
• Regularly checking hauling permits and health of workers
• Establishing a Material Recovery Facility (MRF)
• Strengthening information campaign on the provision of R.A. 9003
• Reprimanding hauler if provisions on the contract are not being followed
• Proper sorting of solid wastes disposed in each labelled garbage bins
• Engaging a DENR-EMB accredited third-party service provider to dispose hazardous waste
• Proper labelling of hazardous waste prior to hauling
• Obtaining/securing Treatment Storage and Disposal Registration (TSDR)
• Continuous monitoring of anti-pollution structures
• Regular repair and maintenance of penstocks and spillways
• Strengthening tailings dam embankment
• Posting security personnel at the TSF area
• Treating wastewater through detoxification with sodium hypochlorite
• Conducting water sampling at established sampling stations downstream
• Maintaining underground drainage system and canals
• Maintaining oil water separator and conducting regular clean-up
• Adhering to the provisions of R.A. 9275 (Philippine Clean Water Act)
• Implementing rehabilitation work program
• Preventive maintenance of Tailings Storage Facilities and all pollution control structures
• Timely submission of accomplishment reports
• Continuous implementation of Health and Wellbeing Programs
• Continuous training for the Emergency Response Team (ERT)
• Providing equipment needed in emergency and rescue operations
• Provision in the contracts that Contractors and suppliers must comply with Company policies and procedures
• Selection of local suppliers in accordance with the processes embodied in the Company’s Purchasing Manual
• Continued respect and honoring the rights of the IPs
• Sharing wealth with vulnerable members of the community
• Offering mining related projects generating employment opportunities
• Implementing the Annual Social Development and Management Program (SDMP)
• Implementing the Annual Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (EPEP)
• Maintaining close monitoring of gold price
• Constantly engaging with the BSP
• Observed the Data Privacy Policy
• Adapting control measures to prevent data breach incidents
• Hiring of IT Manager
• Appointment of Data Privacy Officer (DPO)
• Integration of File Service Data into Other Systems
• Securing ISO Certification on Quality Management Systems
• Collaboration and coordination with the LGU, DENR and MGB
• Strict enforcement of camp rules and regulations
• Selection of candidates for scholarship recommended by community officials
• Proper sanitation management coupled with information campaign
• Regular monitoring of drain tunnels and other appurtenant structures
• Implementing immediate repair of leaks
• Strengthening security force
• Reviewed policies and guidelines together with recipient-communities

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement

• Responsible sourcing
• Process stewardship
• Product stewardship
• Prioritizing suppliers with ISO 14001-2015 Certification

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks

• Deforestation
• Landslide
• Forest fire/bush fire
• Underground water depletion
• Air pollution

Transition Risks

• Everchanging policies toward mining industry

Opportunities

• Employment through reforestation activities
• Watershed enhancement
• Water spring and water impounding development
• Cleaner air

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GRI

Certifications: ISO 14001-2015

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 1: No Poverty
• Goal 2: Zero Hunger
• Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
• Goal 4: Quality Education
• Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• Goal 13: Climate Action
• Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Goal 15: Life on Land
• Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Detailed explanation of how initiatives contribute to each SDG provided in the report.

Awards & Recognition

• 2021 ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS) - Top performing publicly-listed company
• Runner-up of the Mineral Processing Calcining Plant Category by DENR-MGB and PMSEA

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Economic
• Environmental
• Social
• Governance

Environmental Achievements

• Scope 1 GHG emission is 30% lower vs. 2022; Scope 2 is 23% lower vs 2022
• BGO GHG emission (Scope 1) is 24% lower in 2023 compared to 2022
• Irisan Lime kiln operation decreased its diesel and bunker fuel consumption resulting in GHG emission Scope 1 & Scope 2 down by 31% & 8% respectively.
• Overall water usage decreased by 55% or 51,347 cu. m.
• Reduction in the utilization of renewable materials by 12% or 49,460.22 kg
• Reduction of non-renewable materials (chemicals) by 21% or 456,045.20 kg

Social Achievements

• Attrition/turnover rate for the year is lower at 0.28% compared to 2022 at 0.46%
• Company spent lesser costs for talent acquisition
• Implemented the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) Wage Order to cover all rank-and-file employees
• Female employees represent more than 17% of the total workforce

Governance Achievements

• Zero incidents of corruption by Board of Directors, officers, and employees
• Received Golden Arrow Awards for strong commitment to good corporate governance
• 100% of employees and business partners have been communicated the organization’s anti-corruption policies and procedures

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Continuing war between Ukraine and Russia and the conflict between Israel and Hamas affected the supply and delivery of fuel, increasing operational costs
• Lower ore grades and mineable ore reserves
• Unstable Forex rate - Philippine Peso versus US dollar
• Unabated illegal intrusion by small-scale miners
• High-grading/pilferage of high-grade ore
• Uncontrolled entry of hazardous substance/explosives in the underground by illegal miners
• Water quality from gold processing may be affected
• Unstable supply of electricity and unscheduled power interruption
• Delays in the delivery of imported supplies and materials/equipment parts
• Sub-standard quality of supplies and materials
• Sourcing imported materials is expensive
• High turnover rate due to greater competition locally and internationally
• Increased training costs
• Potential risk of water contamination of the Ambalanga river
• Siltation along the river system
• Failure to collect and dispose of solid wastes on time
• Potential environmental risk like water contamination
• Potential risk of landslides due to unregulated small-scale mining
• Peace and order disruption due to influx of migrant IPs
• Illegal squatting in company properties/claims
• Ambiguity in policies and guidelines regarding PPAs’ implementation
• Sudden/abrupt reduction of the price of gold in the world market
• Potential possibility of hold-up and kidnap for ransom during delivery of gold

Mitigation Strategies

• Implemented strategies to withstand multiple operational headwinds
• Increased milling charges to contractors
• Regular operations meetings to discuss production activities vs. targets
• Daily and weekly updates on accomplishments of operations
• Bi-monthly meetings to discuss matters arising from previous operations reports
• Weekly and monthly mine productions and mill recovery are being monitored regularly
• Compliance with regulatory obligations is likewise discussed during these meetings
• Quarterly and annual reports are timely submitted to the regulatory agencies and monitored regularly
• Increased security surveillance and visibility of security personnel
• Installed security cameras
• Continuous cost monitoring of power consumption
• Intensified watershed development and management by implementing a reforestation program
• Streamflow measurement and water quality monitoring is done quarterly
• Risk-based approach in assessing suppliers
• Long-term planning on mining development
• Prioritized suppliers with ISO 14001-2015 Certification
• Strengthened mining strategy with advanced development
• Strict observance of corporate governance mechanisms
• Strengthened security measures and surveillance
• Close monitoring of production vs budget and revise projections when necessary
• Conduct regular preventive maintenance schedule on equipment and vehicles
• Conduct regular monitoring of small-scale miners’ operations
• Cost savings initiatives
• Shifting to energy-efficient motors and lighting fixtures
• Intensified forest protection activities
• Regular foot patrol by BC’s Claims Protection team
• Regular preventive maintenance programs for machines and equipment
• Availability of spare parts
• Implementation of hazardous materials storage, handling, waste/tailings management monitoring
• Provision of complete Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Regular safety lectures, meetings, and pep talks
• Continuous implementation of Health and Wellbeing Programs
• Continuous training for the Emergency Response Team (ERT)
• Provision in the contracts that Contractors and suppliers must comply with the Company policies and procedures
• Selection of local suppliers is in accordance with the processes embodied in the Company’s Purchasing Manual
• Collaboration and coordination with the LGU, DENR, and MGB
• Strict enforcement of camp rules and regulations
• Observed the Data Privacy Policy
• Adopted control measures to prevent the occurrence of data breach incidents
• Appointment of Data Privacy Officer (DPO)
• Using several frameworks to improve layered security and defense
• Continuously follow security alerts
• Implementation of the Social Development and Management Program (SDMP)
• Collaboration with government law enforcement agencies
• Strict enforcement of camp rules and regulations
• Maintain confidentiality of information on gold production
• Rotation of security escort during transport and delivery

Supply Chain Management

Supplier Audits: Not disclosed

Responsible Procurement

• ISO 14001-2015 Certification for major suppliers
• Compliance with BC’s Purchasing Policy

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks

• Deforestation
• Landslide
• Forest fire/bush fire
• Underground water depletion
• Air pollution

Transition Risks

• Ever-changing policies toward the mining industry

Opportunities

• Employment through reforestation activities
• Watershed enhancement
• Water spring and water impounding development
• Cleaner air

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GRI

Certifications: ISO 14001:2015

Third-party Assurance: Not disclosed

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 1: No Poverty
• Goal 2: Zero Hunger
• Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
• Goal 4: Quality Education
• Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• Goal 13: Climate Action
• Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Goal 15: Life on Land
• Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

See detailed explanation in the UN Sustainable Development Goals section of the report.

Sustainable Products & Innovation

• Not disclosed

Awards & Recognition

• Golden Arrow Awards (2023)
• Runner-up of the Mineral Processing Calcining Plant Category (ILP)