Hummingbird achieves World Gold Council 'responsible' compliance

Hummingbird Resources has achieved full World Gold Council (WGC) ‘Responsible Gold Mining Principles’ (RGMP) compliance, it announced on Tuesday, within the shortest possible time frame at both corporate and Yanfolila site level.

The AIM-traded firm joined the WGC as a member company in June 2020, and in September of that year it declared its intent to adopt the RGMPs, and to work towards the September 2022 full conformance deadline.

It said that, after the self-assessment process, it had now fully implemented and “often gone beyond” the underlying systems, policies and procedures required for full year three compliance with the RGMP requirements.

Hummingbird said it worked with its external assurance provider, which obtained the evidence, information and explanation considered necessary in relation to the assurance scope, and was satisfied that its conformance with the principles was “fairly stated” based on the procedures performed and evidence obtained.

“Adopting the WGC RGMPs is a key part of Hummingbird's strategy for building a long term, sustainable mining company,” said Edward Montgomery, chief strategy and environment, social and governance (ESG) officer.

“Meeting and exceeding these requirements within the shortest time frame possible demonstrates our continued commitment to the highest standard of ESG performance, which is a key part of our dedication to building a lasting positive legacy in the regions and communities in which we operate.

“As a result of the auditing process, the company has benchmarked, and in some cases improved, our ESG practices.”

Montgomery said the process had instigated further commitments to developing the Kouroussa project in compliance with the same strict WGC RGMP's, as well as “inspiring” other projects such as its Kouroussa green energy project and potential solar projects at Yanfolila.

“Implementing the RGMPs enables Hummingbird to evidence a greater level of accountability and transparency, in line with the increasing expectations of our stakeholders.

“We are pleased with the progress made so far and the steps being taken to improve our management systems and responsible business protocols and practices and we are very proud to have achieved full conformance with the RGMP requirements at both corporate and Yanfolila site level.”

At 1305 GMT, shares in Hummingbird Resources were up 3.85% at 6.75p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.