Baku, Azerbaijan, April 8. Uzbekistan’s Navoiy
Mining and Metallurgical Combine (NMMC) is actively integrating ESG
principles (environmental, social, and governance standards) into
its operations, Boris Samoylenko, Head of ESG at NMMC, told
Trend in an
exclusive interview.
“Receiving the first ESG rating from internationally recognized
agency Sustainable Fitch confirms our commitment to the principles
of sustainable development and reflects the level of integration of
environmental, social, and governance factors in our activities,”
Boris Samoylenko noted.
According to him, the ESG rating has a direct impact on the
reputation of the plant in the industry, increasing the level of
confidence of investors and international partners. It also
contributes to the improvement of NMMC’s image in the sphere of
responsible corporate governance and enhances the company’s
transparency.
“From an operational point of view, this allows us to identify
areas for improvement and implement more sustainable business
practices, and creates prerequisites for attracting green financing
on more favorable terms for the mill’s extensive investment
program,” he explained.
Boris Samoylenko emphasized that as part of its operational
activities, the company supports the UN Sustainable Development
Goals by contributing to the development of the regions where it
operates, upholding the principles of responsible business conduct,
working to preserve the environment and ensuring fair working
conditions for employees.
“NMMC actively supports the Green Economy Year initiative. We
are increasing the share of renewable energy sources, including
solar and wind power plants, to cover the company’s energy needs,
reducing our carbon footprint by implementing energy-efficient
technologies and modernizing equipment to reduce carbon dioxide
emissions. The company has adopted and is implementing programs for
rational use of water and for increasing landscaping and
improvement of adjacent territories,” he pointed out.
He emphasized that NMMC is making steady steps forward in terms
of implementation of renewable energy projects. By the end of 2024,
the total capacity of solar photovoltaic stations at the production
sites of the Works has increased five times. By the end of 2025,
about 21 percent of NMMC’s energy needs will be covered by solar
generation.
“The main priority of the combine is to minimize greenhouse gas
emissions. For this purpose, a corporate climate strategy is being
developed this year, aimed at managing climate risks, ensuring a
systematic approach to disclosure of information on climate risks
and monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions,” Boris Samoylenko
added.
Speaking about water conservation, he noted that NMMC’s
production processes require the use of a large amount of water –
the company’s annual water demand is 130 million cubic meters.
“In recent years, NMMC has been actively implementing a water
conservation program aimed at reducing the consumption of clean
water, reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation, mine and
underground water in the technological process, introduction of a
drip irrigation system, optimization of process equipment
operation,” Samoylenko explained.
He told that by 2030 NMMC plans to reduce the consumption of
clean water for processing one ton of ore at hydrometallurgical
plants to 0.8 cubic meters, as well as to bring the share of
recycled, treated and mine water used in the production process to
35-40 percent, which will save water taken from the Amu Darya.
According to the program, it is planned to save 36 million cubic
meters of clean water by 2030. These measures improve the
environmental sustainability of NMMC by reducing pressure on water
resources.
“We also invest in the development of social infrastructure,
including schools, educational programs, and vocational training,
and support gender equality initiatives. Improving working
conditions and workplace safety remain a priority on the ESG
agenda. Last year, more than 15,000 people were trained and
upgraded through various educational programs, and a distance
learning platform was launched for all employees,” he remarked.
According to him, last year, NMMC built two major social
facilities: a Specialized Boarding School in the Tamdyn district of
the Navoiy region and an International Chess School on the
territory of Tudakul recreation center. The International Chess
School meets FIDE requirements for holding international chess
tournaments.
Furthermore, Samoylenko highlighted the importance of gender
equality and said that NMMC was the first Uzbek company to join the
International Women in Mining (IWiM) organization.
“Our cooperation with the IWiM organization has already allowed
us to establish important links to share experiences and use the
best international practices to ensure women’s empowerment as part
of its long-term strategy and ESG goals,” Boris Samoylenko
concluded.