2007 Full Report - Kinross Gold

Page 48 Kinross 2007 corporate responsibility reportOur commitment tominimizing our footprint isenshrined in our corporateEnvironmental Policy.Environmental protectionis the responsibility ofevery employee.Environmental PolicyEnvironmental leadership in the mining industry is a strategic business objectiveof Kinross Gold Corporation. Maintaining high professional standards for ourenvironmental practices is vital to our long-term sustainable success and formsthe foundation of our corporate reputation. Kinross acknowledges its responsibilityto manage the environmental effects associated with its operations as we pursueour goal of generating value for our shareholders, our employees and ourlocal communities.Kinross Gold Corporation will:• Comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations at all times, at alllocations, and at all stages of exploration, development, operations and closure• Establish and maintain standards, procedures and management controls toensure that environmental considerations are balanced equally with competingpriorities and other key business activities• Ensure that all employees and contractors are trained to understand theirenvironmental responsibilities and create an environment conducive toadhering to the Company’s policies, procedures and applicable regulations• Hold leadership accountable for the environmental performance of ouroperations and projects. Inherent in that accountability is the commitmentof senior managementto provide resources and create the environment that results in success• Reward and recognize behaviour that supports environmental stewardship• Implement procedures to measure environmental performance, includingregular audits of operations to verify compliance with the Company’sEnvironmental Policy and applicable regulations• Communicate openly with employees, the regulatory community, the publicand stakeholders on environmental issues• Work proactively with other mining companies, policy makers and the publicto define environmental priorities and to contribute to the development ofresponsible laws and regulations to protect the environment• Actively engage with credible third-parties to develop continuous improvementin our environmental policies and practices• Continuously review environmental achievements and technology to shareand promote implementation of best practices• Develop and maintain reclamation and closure cost estimates, account for thosecosts in the Company’s business plans, and address the Company’s reclamationand closure obligations in a way that demonstrates excellence and establishesindustry-wide leadership through example• Require that the Environmental, Health and Safety Committee of the Board ofDirectors meets on a regular basis in order to monitor performance and confirmthat Kinross adheres to these principles