We commit to conducting robust sustainability risk due diligence throughout all of our investment decisions
Progress in 2024
- Integrated sustainability operator monitoring during
site visits to Voisey’s Bay, Mantos Blancos and Mimbula - Updated our sustainability due diligence process taking
into account the development stage of each project
and its forward-looking sustainability targets
2025 priorities
- Update sustainability due diligence framework to align
with results of Materiality Assessment - Develop sustainability due diligence framework
for pre-production investment opportunities
Due diligence process for potential royalty transactions
We recognise that the most critical time for assessing and mitigating risks, including sustainability risks, relating to an asset is at the outset prior to entering into any royalty or stream agreement. Before completing any new investment, we undertake a thorough due diligence process using our sustainability risk due diligence framework. The due diligence process is tailored to each opportunity using a risk-based approach, varying based on the jurisdiction, counterparty and commodity, whether the project is an exploration, development or producing project and whether it is a primary or secondary royalty or stream transaction.
The Ecora team has many years of collective experience of carefully evaluating the risks, opportunities and long-term viability of potential projects and examining financial, technical, legal and sustainability factors, often supported by third-party industry experts and consultants.
We continually review our sustainability due diligence framework to ensure that our approach and assessment tools continue to reflect industry best practice. The Materiality Assessment highlighted an interest from our stakeholders in biodiversity issues and these will continue to be of focus going forwards.
We are proud of the ongoing commitment to sustainable and responsible mining from our operating partners, which remains a pre-requisite for us to consider when investing in a project.
Our investment decision making involves the following key steps:
We employ rigorous screening tools and strict investment criteria to evaluate initial investment opportunities.
We use a tailored and detailed due diligence framework to assess the full range of sustainability risks facing particular assets.
We assess potential investments using a set of qualitative and quantitative criteria, which look at the level of a particular sustainability risk and the way in which it is being managed.
Our screening and due diligence tools are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that they continue to reflect the most up-to-date developments and mining industry best practice.
Summary sustainability due diligence framework
Environmental
- Energy supply / use
- Energy management/emissions reduction plans
- Carbon emissions & relative carbon intensity
- Water consumption & management
- Mine closure & rehabilitation plans
- Impact on biodiversity and protected areas including national Parks, areas of cultural importance and/or World Heritage Sites
- Air, noise, soil pollution
- Tailings management
- Hazardous materials
Social
- Host country labour practices
- Rights of indigenous peoples
- Community relations & stakeholder support
- Health and safety
- Existence of small scale mining in the project’s area
- Workforce heath & safety
- Labour rights
- Occupational health and safety
- Direct host community employment
- Local procurement programmes
Governance
- Purpose, values, culture and capabilities
- Business ethics, integrity & transparency
- Commitment to external frameworks and reporting standards
- ESG leadership and accountability at senior management levels
- Diversity and inclusion