Corporate Social Responsibility

Local Initiatives

Since 2001 when Serabi Mining commenced its operations at the Palito Gold Mine in the Jardim do Ouro area, Serabi has worked in close association and consultation with members of the surrounding community helping to fund various projects and capital works.

Jardim do Ouro was previously the supply centre for a number of small , mainly artisanal, mining operations in the area.  It was a poorly organized and fluctuating community where those involved in these mining operations frequented for supplies.

With the natural exhaustion of the alluvial gold in the region, most of the mining workers moved on and the small community that once greeted several hundred customers daily was left with inadequate support leaving the community with limited infrastructure and income.

Through its community relations representative, Serabi meets regularly with delegates of the Jardim do Ouro community in an effort to highlight and assist the region’s needs, identifying where resources are required.  Serabi works in co-operation with the community to find solutions to this end and has for many years assisted the community with road upkeep during the unpredictable wet season providing equipment such as trucks, dozers and front-end loaders.

Serabi is also working in the region to promote security for Jardim do Ouro citizens.  A 2003 agreement between Serabi Mining and the State Military Police outlined a joint effort whereby Serabi provides board and lodging for three policemen at Jardim do Ouro in association with the community.

Serabi Mining is a member of the Parents School Association and has given tremendous support which resulted in a new school being built to provide improved conditions for Jardim do Ouro children to study and further their education.  The completion of this project in 2004 was a proud moment for Serabi.

In addition, Serabi Mining has built a medical clinic inside its Palito camp where a physician and a dentist visit providing assistance to not only Serabi personnel but also to members of the surrounding community. The clinic also provides medically supervised accommodation.

Our General Manager in Brazil, Sergio Aquino, is responsible for the company's local and government relationships. An honours geology graduate, he is president of Itaituba’s Municipality Environmental Counsel and a Board Member of the Tapajos Gold Miners association. Serabi’s head office in Brazil is located in the city of Itaituba.

In December 2004, Sergio was presented with citizenship of Itaituba by the local government, the highest honour granted by the local Common Council, at which occasion he also delivered a speech on Serabi and the future of the company in the region, which was very well received.  This award is recognition of the company’s success in working with the local community and, in particular, the role of Sergio and his team in this achievement.