Sustai­na­bi­li­ty Program in Plain Langua­ge – What Does Being a Pioneer in Sustai­nab­le Mining Mean to Us? 

The Endomines Sustainability Program turns this ambition into action: it combines ambitious climate and environmental targets, the development of a people- and safety-oriented work community, and transparent, inclusive stakeholder engagement.

“Leadership doesn’t come from individual actions, but from long-term, consistent work where every Endomines employee, partner, and stakeholder is involved,” says Hanne Mäkelä, Chief Sustainability Officer.

Climate and Environmental Responsibility – More than an obligation

Fossil-Free Gold Production by 2035

One of our key goals is to produce fossil-free gold along the Karelian Gold Line by 2035. In practice, this means eliminating fossil fuel use, electrifying processes, and switching to zero-emission electricity. We also aim for carbon neutrality, which means minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and offsetting those we cannot avoid. To achieve this, we are building a concrete transition plan that includes necessary investments and requirements for our suppliers.

Clean Water and Closed Circulation

For us Finns, clean water is a matter of the heart – and it’s at the core of Endomines’ Sustainability Program. Our goal is that the water we discharge into nature is clean and does not harm surrounding water bodies or ecosystems. We maintain a closed water cycle in our operations, where our processing uses mine drainage water without the need for raw water. We invest in filtration systems, wetland purification, and biological methods, and we continuously explore, pilot, and implement new water treatment innovations in collaboration with leading experts.

Respecting Biodiversity

To protect biodiversity, we identify the nature impacts of our operations and do our best to avoid and minimize them. We conduct nature surveys and monitor the effects of our activities on surrounding ecosystems. We regularly update mine closure plans and consider how to restore areas already during mining operations. We aim to identify concrete actions to improve natural conditions and implement them together with experts and local stakeholders.

People and Communities – The social dimension of responsibility

Endomines’ Responsibility Program is not only about the environment – we also want to act responsibly toward people. We build a safe, equal, and inclusive workplace, employ local people, and act as a trusted partner for local communities.

A Safe and Attractive Workplace

Our goal is that every employee returns home healthy after the workday. Safety is not just a metric for us – it’s a continuous improvement target. Our aim is zero accidents, and we develop safety practices together with our contractors.

We want Endomines to be a workplace where everyone can be themselves and grow professionally. This is reflected in annual employee surveys and resulting development plans, leadership training, and efforts to promote equality.

Community Trust and Local Vitality

Our leadership also shows in how we engage with local communities. Our goal is to strengthen trust and ensure our operations are perceived as fair and transparent.

In practice, this means:

• Clear and transparent communication: we explain what we do, where, and why
• Easy interaction channels: we listen and respond
• Supporting local well-being: we employ locals, promote recreational use of nature, and sponsor local initiatives

Good Governance – The backbone of responsibility

At Endomines, responsible thinking is embedded in company management, decision-making, and daily practices. Implementing the Responsibility Program is not dependent on individuals – it is based on a clear governance model where every level has its role. This ensures responsibility doesn’t remain just words but progresses systematically and measurably.

Responsibility is a shared journey

Being a pioneer in sustainable mining requires commitment, collaboration, and courage to innovate. Our Responsibility Program serves as a roadmap, but real change comes from everyday choices, open dialogue, and the will to do things better every day.

“We believe mining can be part of a sustainable future. It requires not only technical expertise and environmental awareness but also people-centered leadership and genuine partnerships with communities,” Mäkelä says.

Leadership doesn’t mean we’ve arrived – it means we’re ready to lead the way, learn, and develop the entire industry together with others. We invite all our stakeholders to join this journey. Responsibility is not just our business – it’s a shared opportunity.