Barrick Gold Corporation stands out among mining giants for its integrated approach to sustainability and community development. Rather than treating these as separate initiatives, Barrick has embedded sustainable practices and community engagement into its core business model. This comprehensive approach goes beyond corporate social responsibility to create lasting economic, social, and environmental value in the regions where it operates.
Empowering Local Communities
Barrick’s approach to community investment revolves around empowering local communities to make decisions about their own development priorities. This philosophy manifests through several key strategies that prioritize local decision-making, significant financial commitment, and employment opportunities.
At the heart of Barrick’s community investment approach are its Community Development Committees (CDCs), which operate at all operational sites globally. These committees represent a fundamental shift from traditional corporate philanthropy to community-led development.
“Our sustainability strategy isn’t just a framework. It’s how we create lasting, responsible impact,” says Mark Bristow, Barrick’s president and CEO. “Mining done right is a powerful force for development. When our host communities succeed, we succeed too.”
Local Representation in Decision-Making
The CDC structure ensures genuine local representation through:
Community-elected local leaders who understand regional needs.
Women representatives who bring gender-specific perspectives.
Youth delegates who advocate for future generations.
Representatives from sectors like agriculture and historically disadvantaged groups.
This diverse composition ensures development priorities reflect the actual needs of communities rather than corporate assumptions. The CDCs are responsible for selecting sustainable development projects in their respective areas, focusing on initiatives with lasting impact over temporary benefits.
Financial Commitment to Community Development
Barrick’s financial commitment to community development is substantial and strategically deployed. In 2024 alone, the company invested $48 million in community-led projects selected by local CDCs. This funding supports diverse project categories including:
Educational facilities that build local capacity.
Health centers that improve community wellbeing.
Youth clubs that develop leadership skills.
Agricultural cooperatives that enhance food security.
Entrepreneurship support that catalyzes economic growth.
By allowing communities to select and prioritize projects, Barrick ensures investments address genuine local needs rather than corporate assumptions. This approach creates sustainable community assets and capabilities that will continue to provide benefits long after mining operations end.
Local Employment as a Core Development Strategy
Barrick recognizes that one of the most direct ways to support host communities is through employment opportunities. The company has made local hiring a cornerstone of its community development approach, with 97% of its nearly 27,000 employees being host country nationals.
As Barrick notes, “Making local hiring a priority is good for our host nations, as it directly supports the economic development of local communities and builds each country’s capacity to compete in the global mining sector. It is also good for our business. It provides our mines with a stable, motivated, and talented workforce, and it fosters trust and strong community relations.”
Investing in Skills Development
Beyond simply hiring locally, Barrick invests significantly in upskilling these workers, focusing on:
Technical skills training for operational roles.
Leadership development for management positions.
Transferable skills that provide career flexibility.
Educational support for continued professional growth.
This investment in human capital creates lasting value that extends beyond direct employment, as skilled workers contribute to broader economic development in their communities.
Supporting Local Economic Development
Barrick’s approach to local economic development extends beyond direct employment to include procurement strategies, entrepreneurial support, and initiatives designed to create economic multiplier effects.
Prioritizing Local and Regional Procurement
Barrick has implemented a deliberate procurement strategy that channels economic benefits to host countries and communities. In 2024, the company spent over $7.1 billion on goods and services from host country businesses, with $2.35 billion specifically directed to suppliers from communities closest to mine operations.
This localized procurement includes:
Catering services that support local food producers.
Clothing suppliers that create manufacturing jobs.
Haulage contractors that develop transportation infrastructure.
Housing providers that improve local accommodation standards.
By intentionally developing local supply chains, Barrick builds business capacity in host regions while also creating more resilient operations with shorter supply lines.
Building Entrepreneurial Capacity
Beyond direct procurement, Barrick invests in developing entrepreneurial capabilities in mining communities. The company recognizes that thriving local businesses create a more sustainable economic ecosystem that benefits both communities and mining industry innovation.
Support programs include:
Technical assistance to help suppliers meet industry standards.
Business development training for local entrepreneurs.
Access to capital for business expansion.
Mentorship from established business leaders.
These initiatives help local businesses expand beyond serving just the mining sector, creating diversified economies that can thrive independently of mining operations.
Creating Economic Multiplier Effects
Barrick’s approach to economic development recognizes the importance of creating ripple effects throughout local economies. By strategically investing in initiatives that generate secondary and tertiary economic benefits, the company amplifies its positive impact.
Examples include:
Infrastructure development that improves market access.
Skills training applicable across multiple industries.
Support for economic diversification initiatives.
Development of service sectors that support broader economic growth.
This holistic approach helps reduce community dependence on mining while building resilient local economies with diverse income sources.
Environmental Sustainability Initiatives
Environmental sustainability is a core component of Barrick’s overall approach to responsible mining. The company has implemented ambitious initiatives focused on renewable energy, innovative equipment, and comprehensive emissions management.
Renewable Energy Transition
Barrick has made significant investments in transitioning to renewable and cleaner energy sources across its global operations. Key projects include:
A 200 MW solar plant commissioned at Nevada Gold Mines in the US.
Permits secured for a 150 MW solar plant at the Reko Diq project in Pakistan.
Installation of 687 MW of renewable and cleaner energy sources since 2019.
Many of these renewable energy projects are designed to benefit both mine operations and remote communities, providing clean power to regions that previously had limited or unreliable electricity access.
Innovative Mining Equipment and Practices
Barrick is at the forefront of testing and implementing new technologies to reduce the environmental impact of mining operations. The company is:
Piloting electric trucks to reduce diesel consumption and emissions.
Implementing lightweight equipment to improve energy efficiency.
Exploring battery technology and energy storage solutions.
Developing water conservation techniques for processing operations.
These innovations not only reduce environmental impact but often improve operational efficiency, demonstrating that sustainability and profitability can be complementary goals.
Comprehensive GHG Emissions Management
Recognizing the global challenge of climate change, Barrick is taking a holistic approach to greenhouse gas emissions management across its operations and supply chain. The company is:
Expanding its Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions tracking throughout the value chain.
Working with suppliers to improve data quality and reporting accuracy.
Influencing climate action throughout its global supply network.
Proactively forecasting and managing emissions to set realistic reduction targets.
This comprehensive approach allows Barrick to identify the most effective opportunities for emissions reduction while also engaging partners in collaborative climate action.
Measuring and Reporting Sustainability Performance
Transparency and accountability are central to Barrick’s sustainability approach. The company has developed robust frameworks for measuring, managing, and reporting its sustainability performance.
Comprehensive Sustainability Reporting Framework
Barrick’s sustainability reporting framework provides stakeholders with clear insights into the company’s environmental and social performance. Key components include:
Annual publication of a comprehensive sustainability report covering global operations.
A new standalone summary sustainability report designed for greater accessibility.
Comprehensive reporting against the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Performance tracking covering six years since the merger that formed today’s Barrick.
This multi-layered approach to reporting ensures that different stakeholder groups can access information in formats that meet their specific needs.
Focus on Measurable Impact and Transparency
Barrick emphasizes measurable outcomes and transparent communication in its sustainability reporting. As Mark Bristow explains: “While the 2024 sustainability report is comprehensive and we recognize the importance of a range of disclosures, the reporting landscape has evolved such that these reports continue to grow to meet various expectations.”
The company’s reporting includes:
Clear metrics on community investment, local employment, and procurement.
Transparent tracking of environmental performance including emissions and water usage.
Regular stakeholder engagement through sustainability update webinars.
Open communication about both achievements and challenges.
This transparent approach builds trust with stakeholders while also helping the company identify areas for continuous improvement.
Independent Verification and Standards Alignment
To ensure credibility, Barrick’s sustainability reporting incorporates external validation and alignment with recognized international standards. The company’s reporting practices include:
Adherence to international sustainability reporting frameworks.
Independent verification of key performance metrics.
Benchmarking against industry sustainability standards.
Ongoing refinement of reporting methodologies to improve quality and relevance.
This commitment to rigorous reporting standards helps ensure that stakeholders can have confidence in the accuracy and completeness of Barrick’s sustainability disclosures.
Barrick’s Vision for Mining Sustainability
Barrick’s vision for mining sustainability is built on the belief that responsible mining can serve as a powerful catalyst for positive development. This philosophy shapes the company’s approach across all aspects of its operations.
Mining as a Force for Development
Central to Barrick’s sustainability philosophy is the recognition that mining, when done responsibly, can drive positive social and economic change in host communities. The company’s approach is built on:
Creating meaningful partnerships with host communities and governments.
Aligning business success with community prosperity.
Leveraging mining investments to catalyze broader development.
Building local capabilities that extend beyond the mining sector.
This development-focused approach recognizes that the most sustainable mining operations are those that create shared value for all stakeholders.
Long-Term Perspective on Sustainability
Barrick takes a long-view approach to sustainability, planning for positive legacy from the earliest stages of mine development. Key elements include:
Investment in capabilities and infrastructure with post-mining value.
Focus on building resilient local economies and institutions.
Environmental rehabilitation planning integrated into operational design.
Continuous adaptation of sustainability approaches to address emerging challenges.
This forward-looking perspective ensures that Barrick’s operations create benefits that extend well beyond the active mining phase.
Balancing Multiple Stakeholder Interests
Barrick’s approach acknowledges the need to balance diverse stakeholder needs while creating sustainable value. The company focuses on:
Delivering shareholder returns while creating broader societal value.
Engaging host communities as essential partners in mining success.
Collaborating with governments to align with national development priorities.
Addressing global sustainability challenges including climate change.
This balanced approach recognizes that true sustainability requires addressing the needs and expectations of all stakeholders in a way that creates lasting value.
Distinctive Features of Barrick’s Approach to Sustainability
Several key factors distinguish Barrick’s approach to sustainability from those of other mining companies, creating a distinctive model for responsible resource development.
Community Development Committees (CDCs)
Barrick’s CDC model represents a fundamental shift from traditional corporate-directed community investment to genuine community-led development. Key distinctive features include:
Transfer of real decision-making power to community representatives.
Recognition of local knowledge and priorities in development planning.
Focus on building community capabilities rather than creating dependency.
Commitment to inclusive representation including women, youth, and disadvantaged groups.
This approach helps ensure that development initiatives are genuinely aligned with community needs and priorities, increasing their likelihood of creating lasting positive impact.
Integration of Sustainability Throughout Operations
Rather than treating sustainability as a separate function, Barrick has integrated sustainability considerations throughout its operations. This integration is evident in:
Inclusion of sustainability metrics in operational performance evaluation.
Recognition that environmental and social performance affects financial outcomes.
Alignment of operational excellence with sustainability objectives.
Proactive management of sustainability risks and opportunities.
This integrated approach ensures that sustainability is not merely an add-on but a fundamental aspect of how Barrick conducts its business.
CEO-Led Sustainability Focus
Leadership commitment to sustainability is particularly evident at Barrick, with CEO Mark Bristow personally championing the company’s sustainability agenda. This leadership emphasis is reflected in:
CEO’s personal engagement with community stakeholders.
Clear articulation of sustainability as a business imperative.
Regular communication on sustainability performance and priorities.
Recognition that “mining done right is a powerful force for development.”
This top-level commitment helps ensure that sustainability remains a strategic priority throughout the organization.
FAQs About Barrick’s Sustainability Initiatives
How does Barrick create lasting value through community investments?
Barrick’s approach includes empowering communities to select projects that address their specific needs through CDCs, focusing on capability-building rather than dependency-creating initiatives, and investing in infrastructure and services that will continue to benefit communities beyond mine life.
What is Barrick doing to address climate change?
Barrick’s climate action strategy includes significant investment in renewable energy, testing and implementation of electric trucks, comprehensive emissions tracking, and collaboration with suppliers to reduce value chain emissions.
How does Barrick support diversity and inclusion in its workforce?
Barrick prioritizes local hiring with 97% of employees being host country nationals, ensures representation of women and historically disadvantaged groups in CDCs, invests in skills development for diverse workforce segments, and creates pathways for local employees to advance to leadership positions.
How does Barrick balance profit objectives with sustainability goals?
Barrick recognizes that long-term business success depends on environmental and social performance, integrates sustainability considerations into business planning, and focuses on innovations that deliver both operational and sustainability benefits.
Conclusion
Barrick Gold Corporation’s commitment to sustainability and community development sets a benchmark in the mining industry. By embedding these principles into its core operations, Barrick not only enhances its business resilience but also fosters meaningful, lasting change in the communities it serves. This holistic approach to mining demonstrates that responsible resource extraction can indeed be a powerful force for positive development.
Disclaimer: This article contains information based on publicly available data from Barrick Gold Corporation and industry publications. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, some figures related to future projections involve inherent uncertainty. Readers should conduct their own research before making investment decisions based on this information.
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