ESG

Overview

At Libero Copper, our commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles is at the core of everything we do. This page outlines our core policies and actions in environmental stewardship, social engagement, and governance practices. The information provided here highlights our commitment to sustainable, responsible development and our dedication to partnering with local communities for mutual growth. The content here will be reviewed every six months to ensure it remains up to date with our latest initiatives and progress

Our Core Values: Responsibility and Respect

At Libero Copper, our foundation is built upon two core values: responsibility and respect. These values serve as the basis for who we are, beyond our ESG initiatives and policies. They guide our operating philosophy of being a 'Good Neighbor' and are reflected in every decision we make and every action we take.

Responsibility means not only acting responsibly but also taking ownership of the critical role we play in advancing projects of global importance. We recognize the importance of copper for the future of the planet and strive to uphold this responsibility in our environmental stewardship, community engagement, and economic initiatives.

Respect is demonstrated in our interactions with communities, governments, the environment, and our stakeholders. We consistently ask ourselves, 'What would a good neighbor do?' to ensure we foster mutually beneficial partnerships based on trust, collaboration, and shared value creation.

Our values are integral to our vision and shape our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments, ensuring that our approach is always grounded in ethical actions and respect for all stakeholders.

Our Commitment to Responsible Development at Mocoa

Securing a sustainable copper supply is essential to driving the global energy transition and fostering economic development. At Libero Copper, our approach to sustainability began long before any physical activity on the ground. In line with our core values of responsibility and respect, we have launched an ambitious Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiative for the Mocoa Project. This initiative underscores our commitment to engaging openly with local communities and stakeholders well before the first drill hole.

From the outset, we prioritized listening to and incorporating local knowledge into our planning processes. By doing so, we’ve been able to maximize the positive impact of local content and create a foundation for mutual development. Our “Good Neighbor” philosophy guides every action, ensuring that we minimize any potential impacts while amplifying benefits for the surrounding communities.

This proactive and collaborative approach allows us to align our work with the needs and aspirations of the local population, ensuring that each phase of the Mocoa Project is a step forward for both Libero Copper and the communities we serve.

Environmental Stewardship

Protecting and preserving the natural environment is crucial to ensuring a sustainable future for all. We recognize the importance of safeguarding the natural environment as a key component of our operations. We partner with local communities and institutions to protect and enhance the shared ecosystems surrounding our projects. Through collaboration and sustainable practices, we aim to minimize our environmental footprint while contributing to the long-term health and biodiversity of the regions where we operate.

Our commitment to environmental stewardship is realized through the following programs:

(water Sampling)

  • Water Sampling Training Program: Protecting water quality is critical for the health of both local ecosystems and communities. In partnership with SENA and EAN University, Libero Copper provides training for local community members in water sampling and water management. This initiative enables participants to actively engage in environmental baseline studies and monitor the quality of water in the region. The water quality baseline studies started in June 2022 in partnership with the National University of Colombia, involving seven local communities, including Montclar.

(Rehabilitation and Reforestation)

  • Rehabilitation and Reforestation: We are dedicated to restoring areas affected by other economic activities through comprehensive rehabilitation and reforestation programs. To date, over 2,000 native trees have been planted around key water sources within the Mocoa Project area, helping to preserve and revitalize local ecosystems.

(CEO explain Green Route to Community)

  • Green Route Alliance: Our involvement in the Green Route Alliance is part of our commitment to promoting a copper-based production chain that maximizes local involvement, minimizes environmental footprint, and fosters circular economic growth and carbon neutrality. The Green Route Alliance supports Colombia's transition towards sustainable green industries, with an emphasis on reducing the environmental impact and maximizing energy efficiency. The Green Route was submitted to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism in February 2023 as part of Colombia’s Reindustrialization Policy, which aims to create a sustainable, productive knowledge economy.

Social Engagement and Mutual Collaboration

Building strong relationships with local communities is vital to our success. We focus on mutual growth, ensuring our initiatives are aligned with the needs and aspirations of our neighbors:

  • Human Rights Policy: Respect for human rights is fundamental to our operations and is at the core of our commitment to sustainable development. Libero Copper is committed to upholding human rights across all our operations. In October 2022, we made a formal declaration of our Human Rights Policy, which emphasizes respect for the rights of all individuals affected by our activities. This public commitment was attended by representatives from the Governor’s office, the Ministry of Energy and Mines, the National Ombudsman, local and departmental congressmen, community action boards, and other community leaders. This event marked the first time a mineral exploration company in Colombia committed from its beginning to respect and promote human rights. We have also conducted comprehensive training sessions for all our workers to ensure they fully understand and adhere to this policy. 

  • Local Employment Focus: We prioritize local hiring to boost community development, aiming for a high percentage of both skilled and non-skilled labor sourced locally. As of November 2022, 85% of our employees are from Putumayo and 99% are from Colombia.

  • Equality and Non-Discrimination Program: Libero Copper ensures that its hiring practices are non-discriminatory, promoting equal access to jobs across gender lines with a strong commitment to fair recruitment processes. The company emphasizes the empowerment of transformational female leadership at all levels of the organization, with 62% of professional staff being women.

We foster a multicultural workplace that promotes respect and diversity, underpinned by clear policies that prevent harassment or discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, or any other identity markers. In alignment with our core values, we are committed to building a work environment that respects the cultures of local indigenous communities and promotes equal employment opportunities for all.

Libero Copper's approach reflects our belief in responsibility, inclusion, and mutual respect, ensuring both our workforce and the communities we engage with can thrive.

(Good Neighbors)

  • Good Neighbors Meetings Program: This cornerstone program promotes transparency and mutual collaboration by providing an open platform for sharing our work plans and objectives with the community. We work alongside local stakeholders to identify investment opportunities that support long-term community development.

  • Montclar Cooperation Agreement: Signed on November 21, 2022, this agreement with the community closest to the Mocoa Project demonstrates our commitment to working collaboratively with our neighbors. The agreement encompasses efforts on open communication, co-planning, training, strengthening community governance, cultural preservation, traditional knowledge transfer, employment, capacity building for services, water protection, environmental participation, and planning of shared infrastructure.

Local Capacity Building

Libero Copper also invests in developing the local economy by fostering capacity-building programs

  • Local Purchasing and Production Chains: Our focus on local content goes beyond purchasing; we work to build local capacities. We have implemented multiple training programs, including working with SENA to enhance employee and community skills. 

  • Locally Produced Work Gear: Our dedication to supporting local businesses includes producing our employees' steel toe boots and uniforms locally. Every six months, new uniforms are provided to employees, all manufactured by local suppliers. 

  • IFC's Source to Equal Program: We are proud to be part of the IFC's Source to Equal program—a testament to our commitment to inclusive growth. Libero Copper is the only participating company located outside Bogotá or Medellín, and one of only twelve companies included in the program nationwide. This program aims to promote gender equality in supply and production chains by supporting the growth of women-led businesses and increasing their access to markets. 

Work Safety Policy

We place a high priority on the safety and well-being of our workforce. Ensuring the safety and well-being of our employees and contractors is a core value at Libero Copper. Our commitment to safety is reflected in our comprehensive Work Safety Policy, designed to minimize risks and create a secure working environment for all. This policy includes regular safety training, risk assessments, and strict adherence to safety protocols.

Closing Note

Libero Copper's ESG initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to responsible development, environmental protection, and community well-being. We strive to operate transparently, involve local communities, and make decisions that benefit both our company and the regions where we operate.