2007 Full Report - Kinross Gold

Our relationship withthe Colla people of thehigh Andes providesa good example ofhow Kinross works tomaintain beneficial andrespectful relationshipswith indigenouspeoples who live nearour operations.Supporting Indigenous Peoples in ChileOur relationship with the Colla people of the high Andes – who live in proximity to ourMaricunga operation in Chile – provides a good example of how Kinross works tomaintain beneficial and respectful relationships with indigenous peoples who livenear our operations.We support the Colla community through PRODESAL, a project spearheaded by theChilean government that pertains to the Municipality of Tierra Amarilla. This publicprivatealliance arranges bi-monthly visits to rural areas by a veterinarian and anagricultural engineer. Planning is underway to provide medical assistance in the future.An estimated 70% of the Colla people lack a basic understanding of legalterminology and contracts, which seriously impairs their ability to successfullynegotiate and complete legal agreements. In Rio Jorquera, where much of the Collacommunity resides, we are working with local organizations and leaders to improve“legal literacy” through educational seminars featuring outside experts.We also provide assistance to the Colla for the fencing and surveying of their landsfollowing the 2004 decision by the Chilean government to grant local residentsownership of property in valleys that adjoin our mines.On the educational front, we provide annual scholarships to Colla students, andmonthly support to 12 Colla families to cover transportation costs to local schoolsand lunch expenses for their school-age children.Page 40 Kinross 2007 corporate responsibility reportIn the Colla Wayra Manta Tujsy community, we support a program to help residentsmanage their wells, produce household goods and learn new animal husbandrymethods. On behalf of the Multicultural Native Association, we also provide supportfor the House for Native Health, where traditional healing methods are practisedand taught.