Condor Gold extends ESG programmes at La India

Condor Gold plc today announced it had increased its environmental and social engagement programmes at its La India project in Nicaragua.

The miner’s Environmental and Social Management System includes environment, community, health and safety and human resources.

ENVIRONMENT

In its 2020 financial report, Condor said that the main local main local focus was the drinking water programme which was implemented in April 2017.

A total of 340 families are currently benefiting by receiving five-gallon water dispensers each week.

Condor ordered and is currently installing a US$150,000 water purification plant to double the drinking water provided to the local communities. It is expected to be operational in April 2021.

The company is also planting trees on 10:1 basis with its programme being supported by its tree nursery. During the final quarter alone it donated 100 trees.

SOCIAL

The miner has also extended its Involvement Programmes which began in January 2018, to six groups in the local village. The programmes benefit communities which might be affected by the mine.

One example is the Elderly Group for which a committee of six people has been formed.

Condor Gold allocates monthly support to the Elderly Group, which decides how this money is spent to benefit the elderly as a whole in the community.

The company has assisted schools, distributed food and care packages to local residents, supported businesses through training and financial management, conducted effective waste management for local communities, and helped with Covid-19 prevention.

Chairman Mark Child said: “The company has been operating in Nicaragua since 2006 and, as a responsible gold exploration and development company, continues to add value to the local communities and environment by generating sustainable socio-economic and environmental benefits.

“The new mine would potentially create approximately 1,000 jobs during the construction period, with priority to be given to the local community.

“The upfront capital cost of approximately $110 million would have a significant positive impact on the economy.

“The Government and local communities would benefit significantly from future royalties and taxes.”

Mr Child added that maintaining a social licence to operate was important and Condor would continue its extensive social programmes in the local community.

“The historic mine at Mina La India closed in 1956, resulting in a high level of poverty in the village of La Cruz de la India.

“The Government and local community want to see a new mine at Mina La India.”

The current work builds on the company’s previous environmental and social programmes in the area.