Welcome to the Governance page of Hummingbird Resources. Here, we outline our unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance, sustainability, and ethical conduct across all facets of our operations. Our governance framework is rooted in the principles of integrity, trust, and transparency, ensuring long-term, sustainable success that benefits all stakeholders, including the communities in which we operate, our employees, suppliers, and shareholders.
At Hummingbird, we prioritise sustainability and corporate responsibility, guided by our Environmental, Social, and Governance (“ESG”) Committee. Established in 2018, the ESG Committee provides a formal and transparent governance mechanism that supports the Board in overseeing and enhancing our ESG practices. The Committee is instrumental in managing key sustainability risks and setting objectives, ensuring our practices align with best-in-class standards.
Key areas of focus include:
- Occupational and community health and safety
- Environmental stewardship and compliance
- Social performance and community development
- Stakeholder engagement
- Cultural heritage preservation
In February 2024, the ESG Committee was refreshed with the appointment of two Non-Executive Directors, David Straker-Smith (Chair) and Attie Roux. The Committee meets monthly and reports quarterly to the Board, with senior management teams from our mines and corporate offices attending these meetings.
Formed in November 2023 and led by the Group ESG Manager, our Management ESG Committee works closely with ESG teams at our Yanfolila and Kouroussa mines. The Management ESG Committee meets weekly to ensure consistent application and compliance with sustainability policies and procedures.
Code of Conduct
Our Code of Conduct is a cornerstone of our ethical framework, outlining expected behaviours for all employees and ensuring operations are conducted with integrity and respect for human rights. Available in English and French, this Code is distributed to all employees upon joining and reaffirmed annually through an Annual Declaration.
Responsible Sourcing
We uphold the highest standards in responsible sourcing and supplier conduct, guided by our Supplier Code of Conduct, established in 2022. This Code sets minimum standards for ethical behaviour, human rights, and environmental responsibility. We conduct risk-based due diligence and regular audits to ensure compliance.
Human Rights and Workplace Standards
Hummingbird is dedicated to upholding human rights and maintaining a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying. We adhere to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights. In 2023, we reported zero human rights incidents and completed significant resettlement projects in line with best practices.
Anti-Bribery and Corruption
We have a zero-tolerance policy towards bribery and corruption, embedded in our Code of Conduct and supported by mandatory training for all employees. Our policies ensure that all business dealings are conducted ethically and in compliance with applicable laws.
Whistleblowing
Our Whistleblowing Policy provides a confidential channel for employees to report concerns, ensuring transparency and accountability. The Audit Committee oversees this policy, ensuring appropriate responses to all raised concerns.
Modern Slavery
In line with the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015, we publish an annual Modern Slavery Statement, affirming our commitment to eradicating slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains.
Corporate Governance
We adhere to the QCA Corporate Governance Code 2018, with plans to align with the updated 2023 Code. Our Board and its committees, including the Audit, Remuneration, Technical Advisory, and ESG Committees, ensure robust oversight of our governance practices.
Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
We engage regularly with our shareholders and other stakeholders through various channels, including RNS announcements, conference calls, and our Annual General Meeting (AGM). We encourage open communication and provide comprehensive information on our website.
For more details, please explore the specific sections on our website or contact us directly. At Hummingbird, we are committed to building a sustainable future with strong governance at the heart of everything we do.
Responsible Gold Mining Principles
We are committed to responsible mining practices, as evidenced by our membership in the World Gold Council since June 2020. Our adherence to the Responsible Gold Mining Principles (“RGMPs”) is independently assured annually, reflecting our commitment to ethical mining and transparent disclosure.
INDEPENDENT LIMITED ASSURANCE REPORT
Implementation of the Responsible Gold Mining Principles 2023 Annual Report
Independent Limited Assurance Report 2022
Annual Report on the Implementation of the Responsible Gold Mining Principles 2022
Independent Limited Assurance Report 2021
Annual Report on the Implementation of the Responsible Gold Mining Principles 2021
Independent Limited Assurance Report 2020
Responsible gold mining is conducted with respect for the environment and the human rights and wellbeing of our employees, contractors and members of the communities associated with our activities. See summary details of the social and economic contribution of gold mining, and the WGC’s RGMPs detailed in the documents below.
Click on the images to read or download the full reports.
Governance
1 ETHICAL CONDUCT
We will conduct our business with integrity including absolute opposition to corruption.
2 UNDERSTANDING OUR IMPACTS
We will engage with our stakeholders and implement management systems so as to ensure that we understand and manage our impacts, realise opportunities and provide redress where needed.
3 Supply chain
We will require that our suppliers conduct their businesses ethically and responsibly as a condition of doing business with us.
Social
4 Safety and health
We will protect and promote the safety and occupational health of our workforce (employees and contractors) above all other priorities and will empower them to speak up if they encounter unsafe working conditions.
5 Human rights and conflict
We will respect the human rights of our workforce, affected communities and all those people with whom we interact.
6 Labour rights
We will ensure that our operations are places where employees and contractors are treated with respect and are free from discrimination or abusive labour practices.
7 Working with communities
We aim to contribute to the socio-economic advancement of communities associated with our operations and to treat them with dignity and respect. Responsible Gold Mining Principles 02
Environment
8 Environmental stewardship
We will ensure that environmental responsibility is at the core of how we work.
9 Biodiversity, land use and mine closure
We will work to ensure that fragile ecosystems, critical habitats and endangered species are protected from damage and we will plan for responsible mine closure.
10 Water, energy and climate change
We will improve the efficiency of our use of water and energy, recognising that the impacts of climate change and water constraints may increasingly become a threat to the locations where