Sustainability

Fostering relationships with our local stakeholders

Lavras Gold is named for the town, Lavras do Sul, which has a history of mining, along with agriculture and cattle breeding. Lavras Gold recognizes that local stakeholders are invested in the success of this exploration company, and that Lavras Gold is a steward of a long and important history in the region. Lavras Gold wants the LDS Project to grow into an operation that everyone in the region can be proud of.

Committed to employee safety

On an operational level, Lavras Gold is committed to meeting best practices. The company’s occupational safety standards have been designed to safeguard employees. The company’s safety protocols for handling heavy, sharp, chemical, and electrical equipment have been set up according to best practices and Brazilian regulations. Some of the programs completed to date include:

new work safety management model
fire and first aid training Compliance with ISO 45001 and adaptation to ISO 9001
Internal Commission for the Prevention of Accidents in Mining (CIPAMIN)
development of risk and emergency response programs.

Thinking locally

It is important for Lavras Gold to establish a responsible and contributing presence in the local community. Larvras Gold’s employees and management are working hard to foster strong relationships with local stakeholders. Most Lavras employees live in the town of Lavras do Sul or the surrounding region. The company works with local suppliers where possible.

Supporting heritage and education

Lavras Gold’s initial outreach has focused on supporting traditional cultural and sports initiatives in the town and surrounding region. Some examples include providing funding for uniforms at the Gaúcho Traditions Centre and the school band at the local elementary school. Lavras Gold also supports an independent sports society that trains 150 children and youth for indoor soccer teams, and provided the materials to fix the roof of a historic church that has been at the centre of the town’s spiritual life for more than 100 years.

Lavras Gold’s community team has also developed a program for high school students in Lavras do Sul. The state currently has a high school drop out rate that is twice the national average, so the company’s technical team will visit high schools to encourage students to stay in school. The team will focus on the importance of skilled labour in the mining industry.

The Rota do Ouro

Lavras Gold’s marquee initiative, however, is the Rota do Ouro, or Gold Trail, which was launched in early 2023. Aimed at reclaiming the region’s historical identity as a mining centre, the Rota do Ouro underscores the importance of gold mining to the development of the town of Lavras do Sul and the region.

There are five stations on the trail, each highlighting a different aspect of this heritage: mineral riches, memory, water, livestock, and garimpeiro. Those who follow the trail receive a passport that is stamped at each station as well as seeds of native trees inside small raw wool bags produced by local weavers. Participating in Lavras Gold’s Roto do Ouro is not limited to school children – many of the adults and seniors in the community also enjoy this activity.

Station 1: Mineral Riches

Lobby of Lavras do Sul Mineração

The trail begins and ends in the Lavras Gold Brazil office, which is located in the main area of the town of Lavras do Sul. This is where participants collect the passport that will guide them along the trail, and get stamped at each stop. They will also see mineral samples and examples of objects that use gold.

After completing the trail, participants receive a seedling to plant, thus becoming a protector of the local environment. This is also an invitation to cultivate regional species, vegetable gardens, and orchards.

Station 2: Memory

José Neri da Silveira House of Culture

This station memorializes the immigrants who settled in Lavras do Sul, and features items they brought with them.

Participants visit a public historic mansion and private spaces in a historic centre, which has a collection on gold mining in the town.

Station 3: Water

Estação Água

This station underscores the area’s ecological richness, and the importance of reclamation once a mine has closed. This area was a mining centre until 1947, but is now an important leisure area in the town and used as a freshwater beach.

Participants can also take an ecological walk, and plant native flora.

Station 4: Livestock

Olavo de Almeida Macedo Exhibition Park

This station represents the symbiotic history of gold and cattle in the region. Participants learn about the sophistication and professionalism of the cattle ranching industry, one of the main drivers of the local economy.

Station 5: Garimpeiro

Former residence of a garimpeiro

This station is a tribute to the miners, or garimpeiros, who lived and worked in the town. Past gold rushes brought entire families to the area, many of whose descendants still live and work in Lavras do Sul today.

Participants who visit this station, located in the former residence of one of these families, will view a large collection of photos and equipment used by mine workers of the past.

LET'S CONNECT

SUBSCRIBE