Gabriel understands that true sustainability is less about corporate contributions
and more about building up a community's capability over time. Gabriel has approached
the Project with a view to the interests of all and is determined to make this a
model mining project, and to share the benefits with a village and region that has
been previously exploited for its gold but is now impoverished, polluted and overlooked.
Even in advance of operations there are ways that Gabriel is demonstrating its commitment
in this area. Human rights, labour and anti-corruption policies and protocols have
been fully integrated into company policy and practice, independent of local laws.
Gabriel also understands that its responsibilities do not end with the closure of
a mine. From the outset, Gabriel will provide for villagers displaced by the proposed
mine, for example, Gabriel has purchased old houses, and built new and modern houses.
Gabriel has pledged to build a new school, medical clinic, and a city hall/community
center. Well before the first ounce of gold has been mined, initiatives to improve
the local community infrastructure are already underway.
Gabriel has pledged to observe the highest standards of corporate responsibility
and is committed to building a state of the art mining facility that will not only
reinvigorate the local economy, but will meet or exceed every international, European
and Romanian standards for responsible mining practices.
Gabriel has also pledged plans to include the replanting of trees, treatment of
run-off water, and re-contouring slopes with topsoil and vegetation. A percentage
of revenue from every ounce of gold will be set aside for the reclamation of the
Rosia Montana lands and waters affected by the Project footprint.
Globally, resource industries have seen enormous change for the better. Laws have
been enacted to require thorough rehabilitation of land. Environmental assessments
submitted by companies are legally binding commitments. Technologies for extraction
and run-off containment are generations ahead of those that have been used in Rosia
Montana, or elsewhere in Romania.
Should its permits be granted, Gabriel will bring these reforms, innovations, and
best practices to bear on the Project. When the work is underway, the new Rosia
Montana mine will have safer standards than are required under the International
Cyanide Management Code formulated by the United Nations and the project will strive
to observe the highest, strictest environmental standards of any gold mining project
not only in Romania, but in any European Union nation.
Gabriel has funded over US$15million in a program of rescue archaeology since 2000
- the Rosia Montana National Patrimony Research Program. This restoration program
has already saved and housed dozens of relics, including salvaging an intact Roman
water wheel dating back to the first or second century AD. Gabriel has recently
pledged an additional US$140 million for the conservation and preservation of cultural
patrimony not just in Rosia Montana but across the whole of Romania. An independent
rescue-archaeology team will continue the work on site for the life of the mine,
with its findings housed in a museum also funded by Gabriel.