Minera Cuzcatlán Attains Global Environmental Certifications

After carrying out internal audits, Minera Cuzcatlán, the Mexican subsidiary of Fortuna Silver Mines, announced it obtained third-party international certifications regarding health, environmental and social issues.

The company reported it obtained the ISO 14001:2015 certification for Environmental Management Systems and ISO 45001:2018 certification for Health and Security Management Systems. Before applying to the American Trust Register audit, the company launched internal audit programs between 2020 and 2021.

According to Luis Camargo, Country Head, Minera Cuzcatlán, the ISO 14001:2015 certification helps accrediting its San Jose mine as a sustainable project, while the ISO45001:2018 certification validates the company’s protocols to reduce labor risks and improve employee health and wellbeing. “We are proud to obtain these certifications without any incidents reported by auditors. This results from our partners’ effort and leadership… thanks to this, we endorse the commitment made to our partners, the environment and communities,” Camargo said.

Cristina Rodríguez, Sustainability Deputy Director, Minera Cuzcatlán said the certifications help the company to strengthen its security, health and environment policies. They also stand as proof of the positive performance of the company’s Comprehensive Management System, which she says will help for future re-certifications.

Jorge Ganoza, President and CEO, Fortuna Silver Mines recognized the efforts made by partners to obtain certifications, which are in line with the company's values to respect communities, acting as strategic partners to help them in their development and environmental preservation. 

Eusebio García, Deputy Minister of Industry and Innovation, Oaxaca’s Ministry of Economy acknowledged the importance of the company to the state and lauded its environmental and social efforts, which García considers to have a positive impact on the state’s jobs and productivity. 

In the past, Minera Cuzcatlán has been recognized for its environmental and social efforts, in Diec. 2021, MBN reported that the company ranked among the 500 most important companies that fight corruption in the Corporate Integrity Index (IC500). Minera Cuzcatlán said the index was of great importance, since ethics and integrity are a benefit for both its own workers and surrounding communities. 

The company has also upgraded its water management. According to Camargo, a closed-circuit water system and the acquisition of a wastewater treatment plant ensured that the company has never used underground water for its operations. Instead, it recycles and reutilizes wastewater, while ensuring a stable water supply for over 20,000 inhabitants of the Ocotlan de Morelos municipality.