ESG & Sustainability
Responsible mining that creates lasting value for investors, communities, and the environment.
Our Commitment
Responsible Mining as a Business Imperative
At Natder Limited, sustainability is not a reporting obligation — it is a core business strategy that underpins everything we do.
We believe that responsible mining practices are essential to long-term value creation. Our approach integrates environmental stewardship, social impact, and robust governance into every stage of project development — from exploration through production and beyond.
- Minimise environmental impact through proactive planning and best-practice management systems.
- Maximise positive social outcomes for host communities through employment, skills development, and shared prosperity.
- Uphold the highest standards of corporate governance, transparency, and ethical conduct.
- Align with international frameworks including IFC Performance Standards, the Equator Principles, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Environment
Environmental Stewardship
Protecting the natural environment is fundamental to our licence to operate and our commitment to future generations.
Biodiversity Protection
Comprehensive baseline studies and biodiversity action plans to protect endemic species and critical habitats within and around our concession area.
Water Management
Responsible water stewardship through monitoring, recycling, and treatment programmes that safeguard local water sources and downstream communities.
Land Rehabilitation
Progressive rehabilitation plans that restore mined land to productive use, including native revegetation and soil restoration programmes.
Climate Action
Measuring and reporting our carbon footprint, investing in energy efficiency, and exploring renewable energy options to minimize our climate impact.
Waste Management
Best-practice tailings management, waste minimization, and responsible disposal systems aligned with international standards and local regulations.
Social Impact
Social Impact & Community
We are committed to creating shared prosperity with the communities where we operate.
Local Employment
Natder is committed to hiring at least 70% of its workforce from local communities in Tonkolili District. We prioritise local recruitment at every level of the operation, from entry-level positions to supervisory roles, ensuring that the economic benefits of mining flow directly to the people who live closest to our operations.
Skills Development
We invest in training and skills development programmes that build capacity within the local workforce. From technical mining skills to health and safety certifications, our programmes are designed to create lasting employability that extends well beyond the life of the mine.
Community Development Fund
Natder will establish a Community Development Fund with defined annual contributions to support sustainable development in host communities. Fund priorities include:
- Education — school construction, teacher training, and scholarship programmes.
- Healthcare — clinic support, health worker training, and disease prevention initiatives.
- Infrastructure — roads, water supply, sanitation, and electrification projects.
- Livelihoods — agricultural support, micro-enterprise grants, and vocational training.
Stakeholder Engagement
Meaningful and ongoing engagement with all stakeholders — including local communities, traditional leaders, government authorities, and civil society organisations — is central to our approach. We maintain open channels of communication, conduct regular community meetings, and operate a transparent grievance mechanism.
Respect for Rights
Natder respects and upholds the human rights of all individuals affected by our operations. We adhere to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, implement Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes, and ensure that our security arrangements align with the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights.
Governance
Governance Framework
Strong governance structures ensure accountability, ethical conduct, and alignment with international best practices.
Board Oversight
ESG performance is overseen at the board level with regular reporting on environmental, social, and governance metrics. Board members bring diverse expertise in mining, finance, sustainability, and community development.
Anti-Corruption
Natder maintains a zero-tolerance policy on bribery and corruption. All employees and contractors are required to adhere to our Anti-Corruption Policy, and we conduct regular training and compliance audits.
Transparency & Reporting
We are committed to transparent reporting on our ESG performance, financial results, and community contributions. Natder supports the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and publishes regular sustainability updates.
Compliance
Natder operates in full compliance with Sierra Leonean mining law, the Mines and Minerals Act 2009, environmental regulations, and all applicable international conventions and standards.
International Standards
IFC Performance Standards
Our operations are designed to align with all eight IFC Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability.
| Standard | Focus Area | Natder’s Approach |
|---|---|---|
| PS1 | Assessment & Management of Environmental and Social Risks | Integrated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) conducted prior to any ground disturbance, with ongoing monitoring and adaptive management. |
| PS2 | Labor and Working Conditions | Fair wages, safe working conditions, non-discrimination policies, and freedom of association in line with ILO core conventions. |
| PS3 | Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention | Energy-efficient operations, waste minimization, water recycling, and emissions monitoring integrated into all project phases. |
| PS4 | Community Health, Safety, and Security | Community health programmes, security management aligned with Voluntary Principles, and emergency preparedness planning. |
| PS5 | Land Acquisition and Involuntary Resettlement | Avoidance of displacement where possible; fair compensation, livelihood restoration, and transparent consultation where resettlement is unavoidable. |
| PS6 | Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management | Biodiversity baseline assessments, habitat protection zones, and no-go areas for ecologically sensitive regions within the concession. |
| PS7 | Indigenous Peoples | Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes, cultural heritage mapping, and benefit-sharing agreements with local communities. |
| PS8 | Cultural Heritage | Chance-find procedures, cultural heritage assessments, and protection measures for sites of historical and spiritual significance. |
Targets
Sustainability Goals
Measurable commitments with defined targets and timelines.
| Goal | Target | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Local Employment | 70%+ of workforce from local communities | Ongoing from project commencement |
| Community Development Fund | Establish fund with defined annual contributions | Within 12 months of production |
| Environmental Baseline | Complete comprehensive environmental baseline study | Prior to exploration drilling |
| ESIA Completion | Full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment | Prior to any ground disturbance |
| IFC Alignment | Full compliance with IFC Performance Standards PS1-PS8 | Integrated across all project phases |
| Carbon Reporting | Annual carbon footprint measurement and disclosure | From first year of operations |
| Water Management | Zero uncontrolled discharge; 80%+ water recycling rate | From commencement of mining operations |
| Land Rehabilitation | Progressive rehabilitation of all disturbed land | Concurrent with mining operations |