Central Asia Metals plc has published its 2024 sustainability report, its sixth standalone report, for the Kounrad copper operation in Kazakhstan and the Sasa zinc-lead mine in North Macedonia.
EMISSIONS
The company said that the report was prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards and conforms to the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management.
Central Asia has also set performance targets for 2025’s report covering, among other targets, health and safety, the environment and ethical business practices.
Chief executive officer Gavin Ferrar added: “During a key year of transition to a new mining method at Sasa, health and safety remained our top priority.
“We achieved a group lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) of 0.77, well below our target and underscoring our ongoing commitment to safe, profitable production.
“More broadly, we invested in our people through training, mentoring, sponsorship, education outreach and succession planning initiatives to ensure a resilient and skilled workforce for the future.”
The company reported a 44% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions since its 2020 baseline, remaining in target for a 50% reduction by 2030.
In Kazakhstan, a solar power plant generating approximately 14% of Kounrad’s electricity needs in its first year of operation.
One third of mineral waste was stored underground during the year to increase safety, reduce surface waste and conserve water.
A total 0.5% of group revenue contributed to Central Asia’s foundations for community support and $700,000 was invested in community projects.
At Sasa, an ‘acceleration programme’ promotes local sustainable development and entrepreneurship.
In Kazakhstan, the company’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education initiative has trained 69 teachers from 16 schools.