Horizonte Minerals Plc

Publication of Inaugural Sustainability Report

LONDON, Aug. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Horizonte Minerals Plc (the "Company" or “Horizonte”) (AIM: HZM; TSX: HZM), the nickel development company focused in Brazil, is pleased to announce that it has today published its 2019 Sustainability Report. The report is an overview of the Company’s sustainability performance over the 2019 financial year and is primarily focussed on the Araguaia ferronickel project but, data from the Vermelho nickel-cobalt project and corporate head office is included where appropriate.

The report is available to view on the Company’s website at: https://horizonteminerals.com/uk/en/sustainability_report/

This is the first standalone Sustainability Report that Horizonte has published as the Company recognises the importance of conveying its efforts and achievements around the areas of environmental stewardship, social responsibility and corporate governance to its various stakeholders as it moves towards construction at Araguaia.

The following key achievements are noted within the Sustainability Report:

• US$1.5m of direct economic contribution;
• Zero Lost Time Injuries & fatalities;
• Over 200 community engagements;
• 618 students engaged in environmental awareness programmes;
• 55% of total purchases from local suppliers;
• 42% female employees; and
• 46% of Brazil employees from Para State, where the projects are located.

Jeremy Martin, Chief Executive Officer, commented, “I am delighted to introduce our first Sustainability Report, which we believe is an important step in the Company’s evolution and development into a nickel producer. Sustainability has been central to Horizonte’s operations in Brazil for the past 10 years, and our ability to deliver on our environmental, social and governance commitments will be key to our future success.

“Projects of the scale of Araguaia and Vermelho need to be underpinned by robust sustainability performance, reporting and measurement. This maiden report highlights the extensive ESG initiatives we have already undertaken and sets a baseline against which we will measure ourselves in future. The commitment and undertaking required for such a programme should not be underestimated, particularly for a company of the size of Horizonte.

“As we continue to build momentum in our journey towards production, we remain committed to helping our communities grow alongside us, protecting the environment in which we operate and delivering value to our shareholders.”