2007 Full Report - Kinross Gold

Our Round Mountain and Maricunga operations apply cyanide solutions to ore that hasbeen placed on impermeable liners, allowing for the recovery of gold-bearing intermediateproduct. This process, known as heap leaching, is a proven and safe means of recoveringgold from low-grade ores. Kinross designs and operates its heap leach systems to internationalstandards and incorporates best-practice technologies, including double liners with leakcollection and detection systems. In February 2008, the Kinross Board of Directors approvedthe construction of a heap leach facility and expansion of the open-pit mine at Fort Knox,which is expected to extend the life of the mine by five years.Every Kinross operationhas a tailings or heapmanagement plan thatincludes engineereddesign, water balanceaccounting, a reclamationand closure plan, andregular review ofoperational procedures.Closure and ReclamationReturning land disturbed by mining to stable and productive post-mining land uses is acornerstone of our commitment to prudent and responsible stewardship of the environment.At Kinross, reclamation planning begins before construction and is regularly updatedthroughout the life of each mining operation. In this way we are able to manage andadjust our reclamation strategies and financial provisions as new information becomesavailable or mining operations are optimized. During the life of each mine, reclamation testplots as well as engineering and environmental studies assist us in verifying and optimizingreclamation strategies and plans. Every effort is made to reclaim land no longer requiredfor operations while mining operations are still active.Page 56 Kinross 2007 corporate responsibility reportRico Creek RevitalizationRico Creek is a tributary of the Paracatu River that runs through the Paracatu townsite.Studies conducted on the creek by Kinross detected pollution from domestic sewage,and from the historical impact of unauthorized small-scale mining activities over theyears. In partnership with the Paracatu municipality and the Minas Gerais SanitationCompany, Kinross is undertaking a revitalization program for Rico Creek. Improvementswill include streambank stabilization and re-establishing riverside vegetation toreduce streambank erosion. In addition, two public recreational parks will be builtalong the creek. Over the next two years, Kinross’ Paracatu operation will beinvesting $1.7 million in the environmental project at Rico Creek. The projectis expected to be completed in 2009.