Polymetal has set the following environmental and social KPIs that are significant for the business and are monitored by creditors on an annual basis.
GHG Emissions
Polymetal recently published its first Climate Change Report, setting a strategic goal to reduce GHG emission intensity by 30% by 2030 (by 35% in absolute terms), including the intermediate target of 15% by 2025.
Water
We are committed to gradually increasing the share of water reused in our processing cycle, having set a goal to reduce fresh water use for processing each tonne of ore by at least 11% by 2023, compared to 2018. On average, approximately 87% of our water is recycled and reused, and in 2020 fresh water use for processing intensity has been reduced by 43% compared to baseline 2018 year.
Waste
As waste is an inherent by-product of mining, waste management is a fundamental aspect of the sustainability program. Polymetal aims to recycle 16% of waste generated by 2023. In addition, the Company will gradually switch to safer tailings disposal and implement dry stacking in all new growth projects. This decreases our environmental impact by reducing land use and water consumption, as well as better safety and pollution control of the site.
Fatalities
Polymetal continues to dedicate resources to reduce the overall number of fatalities and decreasing LTIFR among employees and contractors. The Company aims to ensure zero fatalities and injuries caused by falling rock mass, flammable materials and working at height. We also strive for a year-on-year decrease in days absent to injury. Interventions such as remote-controlled mining equipment have shown to have an effect, with zero fatalities and a 10% reduction in absent days following accidents reported in 2020.
Community conflicts
Polymetal strives to maintain substantial long-term investments in our communities and ensure zero community conflicts. No conflicts were reported in 2020.