The ACE award recognises American companies that are leading in responsible business conduct worldwide.
The company emerged a 2015 finalist at a US Ambassador/American Chamber of Commerce-hosted ceremony in Accra recently. With this recognition, Newmont becomes the first mining company to be nominated for the award since its inception in 1999.
Newmont Ghana was recognised for its efforts in promoting human and labour rights within the company and in its host communities.
The nomination focused on the company’s support for implementing the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR) initiative within its Akyem and Ahafo mines in Ghana and for supporting the mining industry’s commitment to focus on implementing the VPSHR within mining companies.
The mining company was also recognised for supporting Ghana’s Ebola preparedness plan and efforts in ensuring that Ghanaian-owned companies are considered for contracts through fair and transparent processes.
The VPSHR Initiative was established to guide companies to maintain the safety and security of their operations within a framework that encourages respect for human and labour rights.
According to Mr Paul Sowley, Senior Director, Sustainability and External Relations, Newmont Africa, one key focus of Newmont is to ensure peaceful co-existence with community stakeholders.
As such, the company has established complaints and grievances centres in its operational areas to address community complaints and provide mutually acceptable remedial actions.
“So far, our records show that over 95 per cent of complaints from community members are resolved at the first level of the Complaints and Grievances Mechanism,” Mr Sowley said.
He expressed appreciation to the company’s host communities and gave an assurance of Newmont’s commitment to further advance the implementation of the VPSHR to safeguard the rights of stakeholders.
Source: Graphic.com.gh
Newmont Awarded For Corporate Excellence In Labour, Human Rights