Mayaniquel brings opportunities and development to Guatemalan communities

We are thrilled to share that we have been featured in this year's sustainability magazine in Prensa Libre, we invite you to read more about it here.

The mining industry and the company Mayaniquel generate sustainability, and beyond being a socially responsible company it also supports education, health, sports, housing and infrastructure of neighboring communities, all in environmental harmony.

Of the total Guatemalan territory, only 0.82% is a mining area, which represents a minimal part compared to the benefits it generates, according to the 2019 Mining Statistical Yearbook, prepared by the Ministry of Energy and Mines.

Mayaniquel is committed to the well-being and development of the Polochic Valley, bringing benefits to thousands of families living in the municipalities of Panzós and Senahú, in the department of Alta Verapaz, and in El Estor, Izabal. Among its objectives are the creation of economic opportunities, the reduction of poverty and the integral development of its inhabitants.

For 25 years, Mayaniquel has been committed to achieving a sustainable and environmentally responsible exploitation in Guatemala and the preservation of the ecosystem is one of its priorities, therefore it has always been concerned about having all its operations following the highest standards of responsibility and environmental care.

Guatemala has 2% of the world's nickel reserves, so the country has investment and development potential through responsible exploitation, making it an unbeatable opportunity for economic and social development for the country.

COMMITTED TO THE ENVIRONMENT

Mayaniquel's employees are constantly trained to comply with clean and environmentally friendly nickel extraction. This is complemented by constant monitoring to ensure compliance with current environmental regulations.

Mining extraction has always been a matter of concern because of the impact it may have on the ecosystem, but in reality this is not the case. Mayaniquel has environmental recovery programs for the places where it has concluded its operations.

The company reforests with local flora species, minimizing any impact on the area. At present, Mayaniquel has reforested more than 40 hectares with native trees. In the short term, the company plans to reforest 20 more hectares until it reaches 60 hectares, which translates into more than 70,000 trees planted.

Mayaniquel has planted thousands of native trees, in order to preserve the ecosystem of the area, the goal is to plant 70 thousand.

SOURCE OF EMPLOYMENT

Mayaniquel generates direct and indirect employment and income for more than 1,500 Guatemalan families in the areas of influence. It has also indirectly stimulated the development of other related industries such as transportation, lodging, food, and reforestation in the area, as well as the demand for industrial maintenance services.

Thanks to its local development and employment programs, it provides income to more than 50 communities in Alta Verapaz and Izabal. In addition, neighbors are hired to perform community benefit works such as street cleaning, infrastructure improvement, and school construction, among others.

HUMAN RESOURCES, ITS GREATEST TREASURE

Respect for the rights of its employees and communities is part of the success of Mayaniquel's operations. To this end, Mayaniquel has developed effective communication and dialogue processes between its employees and local authorities, Community Development Councils (COCODES), and social leaders, which has allowed for teamwork and total harmony in the areas where it works.

Mayaniquel maintains several Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs in the areas near its operation centers, in the areas of infrastructure, health, education, recreation, sports and culture. These programs impact more than 1,000 families on a monthly basis. In 2021, the company invested more than Q40 million in these programs.

Mayaniquel also has several basic infrastructure improvement programs that benefit the communities. Among these is an electrification program using solar panels, which are installed in communities that do not have electricity service.

Mayaniquel's operations focus towards the construction of a more prosperous country, therefore it aims at education by donating the construction of schools.

Mayaniquel recently completed the construction of a new bridge over 100 meters long over the Cahabón River, with a view to the integral development of Alta Verapaz and the Polochic Valley. This new two-lane, modern and safe bridge is for public use and allows the safe passage of people and goods. The donation of this important piece of infrastructure has had a significant impact on the development of the region and ensures connectivity between the departments of Alta Verapaz and Izabal with the rest of the country.

REVISTA SOSTENIBILIDAD 2022-13

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