Erdene actively works to minimize the environmental impact of its operations by identifying potential risk areas prior to carrying out business activities and by mitigating any unavoidable impacts through proactive measures. Environmental management measures are reviewed on a continual basis and evolve over the life of a given minerals project.
Erdene monitors potential environmental impacts in the following key areas:
Beyond the company’s commitments to environmental protection under applicable laws and regulations, Erdene is a signatory to the IFC Voluntary Code of Practice on Water Management in Mongolia (2016) to:
- Act transparently and with accountability
- Comply with national law and international standards
- Engage proactively and inclusively
- Effective water resource management and conservation
- Create positive impacts; and
- Support local water infrastructure and services
Erdene works to improve access to key natural resources for those households living near its project sites, especially by helping maintain or rehabilitate existing water infrastructure. In cooperation with local Environmental Departments, Erdene supports local efforts to protect watersheds and maintain ecosystem services.
Erdene manages the domestic and solid waste generated at its minerals projects by minimizing, sorting, and disposing in compliance with the relevant laws and regulations.
In 2024, Erdene did not operate any mine or permanent facilities with significant waste or hazardous material handling or disposal.
Erdene’s operations sometimes require temporary land disturbance, such as trenching or drill site clearing, that may affect local pastoralists, wildlife, and/or their habitats. Prior to any disturbance, Erdene and its contractors review the proposed area in order to identify any avoidable impacts. Where unavoidable, Erdene works to minimize land disturubances through mitigation and reclamation measures to restore any disturbed area to a suitable condition. A key part of field operations involves planning and implementing controls for traffic and appropriate dust suppression.
Erdene is committed to studying the potential effects of the energy, land use, and transportation aspects of its business in relation to national and international climate change commitments and potential climate-related risks, such as natural disasters.