Eyebrow Text Here

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet elit

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique.

Environment

As part of the Kinross global portfolio, strong environmental stewardship is fundamental to how we operate, from initial exploration through to reclamation and closure.

Our commitment is reflected in our standards, site-level programs and practices, and the way we manage environmental risks throughout the Project.

At Great Bear, we operate in accordance with local, provincial, and federal environmental laws. We aim to consistently meet these requirements and, where possible, exceed them through responsible planning, innovation, and continuous improvement.

A bumblebee on a bright pink thistle flower with green blurred background.

Our Commitment

Environmental stewardship is embedded in our Safety and Sustainability Policy, our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and our alignment with the World Gold Council’s Responsible Gold Mining Principles—specifically Principles 2, 8, 9, and 10.

As part of the Kinross family, we also support the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, and are committed to aligning our policies and practices with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

To learn more about our environmental performance and contributions to the UN SDGs, read our most recent Sustainability Report here.

World Gold Council logo with concentric gold circles and text on white background.

Responsible gold mining principles

Icon of a person standing amid ripple rings under text '2. Understanding our impacts'.

Understanding Our Impacts

  • 2.1 Risk Management
  • 2.2 Stakeholder Engagement
  • 2.4 Impact Assessment
  • 2.5 Resolving Grievances
Shield with two leaves and text reading '8. Environmental stewardship' on a dark green background.

Environmental Stewardship

  • 8.1 Managing Environmental Impacts
  • 8.2 Tailings and Waste Management
  • 8.5 Noise and Dust
  • 8.3 Cyanide and Hazardous Materials
  • 8.4 Mercury
Graphic with text 'Biodiversity, land use & mine closure' with tree, field, and birds icons.

Biodiversity, Land Use & Mine Closure

  • 9.1 Biodiversity
  • 9.2 World Heritage Sites
  • 9.4 Mine Closure
  • 9.3 Land Use and Deforestation
Text reading 'Water, energy and climate change' with an illustration of a solar panel and sun.

Water, Energy and Climate Change

  • 10.1 Water Efficiency
  • 10.2 Water Access and Quality

World Gold Council’s Responsible Gold Mining Principles

Our Responsibility

At every phase of the mine life cycle, one of our core responsibilities is to protect the environment and surrounding communities by identifying, managing, and mitigating potential impacts. We do this through responsible resource management and by fostering a culture of respect for the environment in what we do, from day-to-day activities to long-term Project planning.

When operations conclude, we apply industry-leading standards and best practices in closure and reclamation to restore natural habitats, rehabilitate disturbed land, and support a sustainable future for nearby communities.

Water

Water is essential to both life and our Project. At Great Bear, we follow Kinross’s commitment to optimizing water use and protecting water quality. We implement site-specific water management strategies that not only meet but often exceed regulatory requirements. In the development of these strategies, our approach includes:

  • Engaging with local stakeholders;
  • Assessing ecosystem services;
  • Improving systems for greater efficiency; and

Evaluating potential risks related to drought, extreme weather, climate change, and operational needs.

Tailings Management

Tailings management planning is guided by Kinross’s global standards and a commitment to the highest levels of safety and environmental stewardship. During the current design phase, the Project is already working with oversight by an Independent Tailings Review Panel. As the Project advances, our approach will include:

  • Adhering to global best practices and regulatory requirements;
  • Independent technical reviews of design and performance; and
  • Transparent governance and regular reporting.

Climate Change and Energy

We recognize climate change as a critical issue for society, our industry, and nearby communities. At Great Bear, we’re committed to:

  • Improving energy efficiency across our Project;
  • Exploring renewable energy opportunities where feasible; and
  • Incorporating climate considerations into project design.

Air Quality

Maintaining air quality is vital to the health of people and the surrounding environment. We apply established air quality guidelines and management practices to:

  • Minimize emissions;
  • Prevent negative impacts;
  • Preserve environmental and visual quality; and
  • Meet or exceed applicable regulations.

Biodiversity

At Great Bear, we are committed to protecting biological resources and managing any impact on local ecosystems. This includes:

  • Working with governments, Indigenous communities, and NGOs;
  • Developing Biological Resource Management Plans; and
  • Identifying and mitigating impacts on sensitive species, habitats and ecosystems.

Waste Management

Our waste management approach is guided by the Four “Rs” with a focus on minimizing waste generation at the source, segregating materials for proper handling, and maximizing beneficial use of materials where feasible.

  • Reduce;
  • Reuse;
  • Recycle; and
  • Reclaim.

Cyanide Management

As one of the first signatories to the International Cyanide Management Code, Kinross is integrating safe cyanide practices into the Great Bear Project design work.

Reclamation and Closure

We take a long-term view of our environmental responsibility. Reclamation planning begins before construction starts and continues through the life of the operation. In collaboration with Indigenous peoples, governments, and local communities, we:

  • Identify suitable post-mining land uses;
  • Consider environmental and community development priorities; and
  • Apply leading practices to restore disturbed land.

Join our community newsletter for the latest updates on the Great Bear Project.

Newsletter Signup Form
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Please be sure that name fields use alphanumeric characters, commas, dashes, single quotes and periods only

By providing your email address, you are consenting to receive newsletters issued periodically and other information concerning the Great Bear Project. You may withdraw your consent at any time.