Kalamazoo is committed to putting in place and exercising good governance practices, not only at our exploration sites but also in our corporate environments. Kalamazoo recognises that good ESG principles, performance and public standing reduces business risk and potentially provides greater sustainable and financial benefits to its shareholders.

Kalamazoo prioritises ESG at the highest levels of the organisation.  By continuing to implement initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint where possible, demonstrating our commitment to preserving not only the natural biodiversity of Australia, but also committed to ensuring the health and safety of our employees is not compromised as a result of our operations.

Kalamazoo is committed to managing its impact on the environment and its resources, as well as developing and maintaining strong relationships with, and respecting the interests of, its stakeholders.

Kalamazoo recognises that its stakeholders, inclusive of its employees, local communities, and others, have a right to expect Kalamazoo to commit to delivering on its environmental, social and governance responsibilities.  Kalamazoo is committed to embedding ESG principles into the long-term strategy of the company by recognising the importance of incorporating ESG practices and sustainable development for all stakeholders.

Community Engagement and Environment

Kalamazoo considers community engagement important to all its activities and is focused on developing relationships with all community stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, interest groups and employees.

Kalamazoo is vitally aware of its environmental responsibilities regarding the local communities and the preservation of the natural biodiversity in all areas and states within which it operates.  Consultation with local councils and stakeholders will be an early and ongoing priority.

Kalamazoo believes in minimising or mitigating any detrimental effects that works may have on the environment. This will be achieved through responsible planning and management of company activities and as a minimum standard, working within the Victorian Code of Practice for Mineral Exploration.*

*http://www.earthresources.vic.gov.au/earth-resources-regulation/licensing-and-approvals/minerals/guidelines-and-codes-of-practice/code-of-practice-mineral-exploration

  • Indigenous Stakeholders
    • Acknowledgement of and commitment to working with the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we operate
  • Health, Safety, Environment & Community Policy
    • Fundamental commitment to HSEC principles
    • Excellent safety record
    • Proactive approach to Community Engagement including a Community Engagement Consultant assisting with all Victorian Gold Projects
    • Only ever used local Victorian drilling contractors on our Victorian Projects
  • Corporate Governance
    • Board level commitment to transparency, accountability and security

Local Community/Media FAQs

What impact will KZR’s exploration activities have on the town?

  • KZR’s strategy is to ensure minimal disturbance to the local Community and avoidance of sensitive heritage sites.
  • Given that the majority of KZRs exploration area is located on either Crown Land, Castlemaine Diggings National Park or pine plantations, we anticipate little to no direct impact on individual landowners.
  • If KZR’s exploration activities show promise, the town could expect some positive economic benefits such as a potential boost in local employment, business opportunities etc.

Will you disturb heritage areas/sites?

  • No – KZR’s strategy is to ensure minimal disturbance to the local Community and avoidance of sensitive heritage sites.
  • KZR accepts and respects the fact that the local Community places a high value on the local heritage sites and are sensitive to any proposed exploration that may disturb them.

Will KZR rehabilitate its explorations sites?

  • All exploration programs including those that involve any ground disturbance such as exploration drilling cannot commence until first approved by the Victorian Government.
  • It is a Government statutory requirement that KZR complete appropriate rehabilitation of any disturbed sites such as drilling pads and access tracks.
  • It is important to note that Rehabilitation Bonds are first lodged with the Government before any ground disturbing exploration works can commence.
  • Failure to comply with the Victoria Government’s Mineral Resources Act may result in forfeiture of exploration licences and financial penalties.

What job/business opportunities will there be for locals?

  • KZR is committed to supporting the local Community and will endeavour to source local labour, contractors and supplies whenever possible.
  • It is important to note that early stage exploration projects usually only require limited local labour and supplies in the initial stages, due to the small scale and short duration of focussed exploration activities.

Will you be paying compensation to local landowners?

  • In the unlikely event that a local landowner is directly impacted by our exploration activities KZR will pay fair and reasonable costs to compensate the landowner accordingly.

What happens should KZR have a gold discovery?

  • In the event of a commercial discovery, it typically takes at least 3-5 years before mine production could begin. During this time numerous tasks need to be successfully completed before mining can commence such as mine planning and design, economic modelling, environmental assessments and approvals, Government regulatory approvals, funding etc.

In the event of a discovery will KZR develop a large open cut mine?

  • No – KZR’s current strategy is to explore for commercial deposits of gold that can be mined at depth through underground mining methods.
  • It is important to note that no mining is allowed in the top 100m depth for a large proportion of the exploration area which is covered by the Castlemaine Diggings National Park.

Will KZR be re-starting the Wattle Gully mine?

  • KZR currently has no plans to restart the Wattle Gully Mine, rather viewing greater exploration potential in the surrounding region.