We started early in the project development phase, building programs for education, skills training, and local business development, often partnering with the Lundin Foundation and other local organizations.
Direct employment opportunities are a priority for local stakeholders, and as such Lundin Gold developed and implemented numerous initiatives, such as the Training for Operations Program, to facilitate the entry of community members into our workforce. Fruta del Norte is one of the largest employers in the province of Zamora Chinchipe and we believe that the emphasis we have placed on local employment sets an important precedent for the mining industry in Ecuador.
In partnership with the Lundin Foundation and other collaborators, we also seek to develop a network of local suppliers through specialized technical assistance programs and professional training for local entrepreneurs in small business management. Lundin Gold reports in accordance with the Mining Local Procurement Reporting Mechanism, (“LPRM”). LPRM is a set of disclosures that seeks to standardize how the global mining industry and host countries measure and talk about local procurement.
Lundin Gold works in partnership with communities, governments, local businesses and NGOs to support meaningful and outcome-focused initiatives through our community investment programs. We believe that responsible mining is a catalyst for sustainable economic development. Lundin Gold is committed to building strong relationships with stakeholders; upholding fundamental human rights; and respecting cultures, customs and values, while engaging in open and inclusive dialogue.
Our most recent community initiatives are detailed in our Sustainability Report.
Lasting Economic Opportunities
Many of Lundin Gold’s local investments are designed to create long-term opportunities for local communities. Developing capacity in the region in which we operate is critical to achieving our local employment and local procurement goals.
We started early in the project development phase, building programs for education, skills training, and local business development, often partnering with the Lundin Foundation and other local organizations.
Direct employment opportunities are a priority for local stakeholders, and as such Lundin Gold developed and implemented numerous initiatives, such as the Training for Operations Program, to facilitate the entry of community members into our workforce. Fruta del Norte is one of the largest employers in the province of Zamora Chinchipe and we believe that the emphasis we have placed on local employment sets an important precedent for the mining industry in Ecuador.
In partnership with the Lundin Foundation and other collaborators, we also seek to develop a network of local suppliers through specialized technical assistance programs and professional training for local entrepreneurs in small business management. Lundin Gold reports in accordance with the Mining Local Procurement Reporting Mechanism, (“LPRM”). LPRM is a set of disclosures that seeks to standardize how the global mining industry and host countries measure and talk about local procurement.
Education and training, access to financing, and promoting entrepreneurship are among the key aspects of our strategy to promote the formation of sustainable local businesses. We believe that building technical and management skills, together with increased financial literacy, are essential. Facilitating access to financing is also a critical element of successful entrepreneurship. As such, Lundin Gold and the Lundin Foundation facilitate access to financing for existing and new local businesses, with special consideration to women-led initiatives.
Human Rights, Diversity and Inclusion
Lundin Gold is committed to upholding and respecting the UN Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and to honouring our commitment as a signatory of the UN Global Compact (UNGC). We promote the inclusion of vulnerable populations and ensure communities have access to a credible mechanism for redress.
One of Lundin Gold’s Fundamental Principles is Respect. We therefore promote a diverse and respectful workplace, the well-being of our people, and gender equality. We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment. We apply this principle in developing our social investment programs and we actively promote a diverse and inclusive supply chain that advances equal opportunities.
Lundin Gold continues to engage with the Shuar and Saraguro Indigenous peoples who live in Fruta del Norte’s area of influence. We promote the preservation of Shuar and Saraguro identity, cultural knowledge, customs and traditions. We work in close partnership with the Shuar Federation of Zamora Chinchipe to identify priorities, develop business opportunities and reinforce capacity building within the community, and incorporate these aspects into our decision-making process for social investment.
The Company is also committed to gender diversity. Lundin Gold is part of the "Leaders for the SDGs" initiative of the United Nations Global Compact Ecuador, and actively participates in the working group for SDG 5 "Gender Equality". The Company was also the first mining company in Ecuador to sign onto the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPS), an initiative promoted by UN Women and the UNGC, seeking to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment through a set of seven principles that each signatory commits to implement, and are also a founding member of Women in Mining Ecuador, which is associated with Women in Mining International, a global organization that promotes the advancement of women in the mining sector.