Since ever, but especially today, the terms "responsibility" and "sustainability" are words that should be the conceptual center of any mining industry company's motto. Especially when their application truly aligns with the necessary parameters for ethical mining practices.

The issue, at this point, is to reduce, or minimize, the environmental impact in mines, which despite how ethical they may be, still have repercussions on the environment, albeit to a lesser extent. For this purpose, the mining company must have the necessary tools and take the required measures to cause the least harmful effect possible.

According to a document from the Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Mining, published in 2011, sustainable mining projects with environmental and social responsibility are ensured in the mining sector. Additionally, the document - specifically titled "Current Situation of Mining in Uruguay" - establishes that exploitation "must be carried out with appropriate and timely management of processes, as well as the impacts they generate in the environment," in order to seek adequate conservation of the environment.

But it is also important to consider another key player involved in this issue: the worker. Maximizing the protection of the individuals working in a mine is fundamental for the mineral extraction company, providing them with the necessary equipment, safety standards, and tools for the job, as well as training for their proper execution. In the same vein, another essential point to guarantee is fair wages for the workers relative to their roles and expertise.

OUR COMMITMENT

Ethical commitment to the environment and employees is non-negotiable at Le Stage Minerals S.A. It is a premise for the company to comply with environmental management standards. The entities responsible for care in the mining industry in Uruguayan territory are the National Directorate of Mining and Geology (DINAMIGE), the National Directorate of the Environment (DINAMA), and the Ministry of Transport, among other state agencies. The first two are dedicated to inspecting the field, where there must be care in multiple specific aspects, such as toxic waste, oils, hydrocarbons, and batteries, for example. There are certain protocols for anything that contaminates the environment.

To exemplify, let's discuss the following collection protocol: companies that manufacture batteries are responsible for collecting old batteries, and Le Stage must always have return certificates to present, or the transfer to a specialized company when there's an inspection from DINAMA or DINAMIGE. Another issue to address is hydrocarbons, such as oils from machines, filters, or dirty cloths. All of these are gathered under an existing system into a designated tank. This is mandated by law, where liquids go on one side and solids, cloths, etc., on the other.

Le Stage stands out for maintaining compliance with national law in all areas of its structure, backed by meticulous controls from DINAMA and DINAMIGE.

"If you don't comply, any little thing that isn't correct can lead to the closure of the quarry. They have every right to close the mine. They're fully entitled to do so", emphasized Robert Vargas, an administrative employee of Le Stage. "The other day, a group of 45 people from DINAMIGE came for a field trip. They toured the entire quarry. They're always aware of everything. We're even monitored by the Army. Since we handle explosives, we undergo inspections from the Army in the powder magazines, they make us install lightning rods at certain distances, meet certain material requirements, we have all kinds of controls. The quarry is heavily inspected", he added.

Le Stage's extraction mine has over 100 permanent workers (machine operators, truck drivers, mechanics, administrators, laborers), with a large percentage staying on site during weekdays (leaving on Mondays at 5 in the morning and returning on Fridays at 6 in the evening). They are provided with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as air-conditioned rooms and optimal conditions for both their personal lives and work. Additionally, there's another group of mining workers who are transported daily back and forth to their homes in the city, receiving a daily meal allowance.

Regarding legal requirements, the labor arbitration tribunal establishes a minimum wage. At Le Stage, in any of its positions, salaries exceed the minimum set by the tribunal. All workers receive an economic incentive. The company not only stands out for having all its employees on the books but also employs foreign workers: some from Argentina and a significant percentage from Brazil.

Thus, the company operates in a manner that sustains its daily growth in tandem with its workers and aligned with environmental commitments, emphasizing essential terms such as "responsibility" and "sustainability".