Sunrise Resources plc and its subsidiaries (“the Company”) practice responsible exploration as reflected in this Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) policy statement and as demonstrated by our actions. By doing so we reduce project risk, avoid adverse environmental and social impacts, optimising benefits for all stakeholders while adding value to our projects.
Our business associates, consultants and contractors (“Associated Parties”) perform much of our primary activities at our projects and therefore we require that all Associated Parties working on our behalf or for our subsidiaries accept and adhere to the principles set out in this policy. We encourage input from those with local knowledge and we review this policy on a regular basis.
Our ESG policy is guided by the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada’s (PDAC) Framework for Responsible Exploration (known as e3 Plus) which encourages mineral exploration companies to support and improve social, environmental and health and safety performance across all exploration activities around the world.
Adopting Responsible Governance and Management
The Company is committed to environmentally and socially responsible mineral exploration and has developed and implemented policies and procedures for corporate governance and ethics as set out from page 24. We ensure that all staff and key Associated Parties are familiar with these and have appropriate levels of knowledge of these policies and procedures.
The Company employs persons and engages contractors with the required experience and qualifications relevant to their specific tasks and, where necessary, seeks the advice of specialists to improve the understanding and management of social, environmental, human rights and security, health and safety, and in the application of traditional knowledge.
The Company’s Corporate Governance Statement and Bribery & Anti-Corruption policy and Code of Conduct can be viewed on our website here.
Applying Ethical Business Practices
As well as our shareholders and staff, our stakeholders include local communities and local leadership, local, regional and national government and regulatory authorities, suppliers, contactors and consultants, our local business partners and other interested parties. Our corporate culture and policies require honesty, integrity, transparency and accountability in all aspects of our work and when interacting with all stakeholders.
The Company takes all necessary steps to ensure that activities in the field minimise or mitigate any adverse impacts on both the environment and on local communities.
Commitment to Project Due Diligence and Risk Assessment
We make sure we are informed of the laws, regulations, treaties and standards that are applicable with respect to our activities. We ensure that Associated Parties are informed and prepared before going into the field in order to minimise the risk of miscommunication, unnecessary costs and conflict, and to understand the potential for creating opportunities with local communities where possible.
Engaging Host communities and Other Affected and Interested Parties
Sunrise is committed to engaging positively with local communities, regulatory authorities, suppliers and other stakeholders in its project locations, and encourages feedback through this engagement. Through this process, the Company develops and fosters the relationships on which our business relies for success.
Respecting Human Rights
The exploration activities of Sunrise are carried out in line with applicable laws on human rights in its home jurisdiction and those of the countries in which it works. The Company does not engage in activities that have adverse human rights impacts.
Protecting the Environment
We are committed to ensuring that environmental standards are met or exceeded in the course of our exploration activities. Applicable laws and local guidelines in all project jurisdictions are followed diligently and exploration programmes are only carried out once relevant permits and approvals have been secured from the appropriate regulatory bodies.
In Nevada, USA, most of our exploration is carried out on Federally owned land administered by the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) which requires the submission of financial bonds for reclamation of exploration activities and which holds the Company to account. Provisions are made in the financial statements for reclamation costs in accordance with calculations set by the BLM. When operating on private lands the Company applies the same rigorous standards for reclamation.
In Australia, field exploration activity requires prior approval from the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety which imposes environmental reclamation obligations on any such approvals.
Where our activities create ground disturbance, we ensure that full rehabilitation is carried out in accordance with regulations and we take care to minimise the impact of our activities on local flora and fauna, choosing less impactful exploration methods where possible.
Safeguarding the Health and Safety of Workers and the Local Population
Company activities are carried out in accordance with its Health and Safety Policy which adheres to all applicable laws. It ensures that its Associated Parties are made aware of and follow these policies where relevant.
This policy will be reviewed at least annually.
Reviewed: 12 January 2024
