Heads of ARMZ and Dalur Gave Presentations at Russian Federation Civic Chamber «Community» Forum

An open operating platform for interaction between society, business and the Government takes place in Kurgan. Forum participants examine the most successful illustrations of social investments in the development of the Trans-Urals and work out new programs and projects. The Mining Division of Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation is undoubtedly one of the leaders implementing a long-term strategy of socially responsible performances on its service area. Alexander Burutin, Deputy Director General for Strategy of ARMZ Uranium Holding Co. and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dalur, JSC spoke about corporate social responsibility programmes in the Kurgan region at the plenary meeting.

«Our main programs are fully in keeping with the Sustainable Development Goals of the Charter of the United Nations. These goals are „Affordable and environmentally friendly energy“, „Decent work and economic growth“, „Partnership for sustainable development“, and „Preservation of ecosystems“. We participate in maintaining the sustainability of national and regional economy, social and economic development of the region, we are also responsible for the security, health and professional development of our personnel, while minimizing the impact on the environment», Alexander Burutin said. Tax payments of Dalur, JSC which produces uranium in the fields of the Trans-Ural district, amount to more than RUB 500 million a year, of these, more than RUB 200 million go to the regional and local budgets. Social expenses of the company amount to about RUB 25 million a year, charity constitutes about RUB 10 million. Besides, the company is engaged in the implementation of the National Projects. In particular, more than RUB 30 million was allocated under «Education» National Project for the construction of a new school in the village of Uksyanskoe and for organizing a specialized «Dalur class» in it. In 2019, the center for digital and humanitarian courses «Growing Point» was opened at Trud i Znanie village school of Zverinogolovsky district through the resources of enterprises. Under «Health» National Project sports hall was built in the village of Uksyanskoye for employees of the enterprise and for local residents. Training machines and sports equipment for weightlifting, boxing, gymnastics, football and volleyball were purchased. Dalur, JSC supports the holding of eight annual interregional sporting events.

The mining division of Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation implemented three Federal Projects in the Kurgan region in 2017-2019: «The road to the future» (career guidance for senior school students), «A World without Terror through the Eyes of Children» (art master-classes for children from low-income families) and «Books for Visually Impaired Children» (providing schools with educational materials for kids who are partially sighted). The Youth Council and the Change-Support-Team of Dalur, JSC organize volunteer social and environmental events each quarter. Among them, the «Clean shore» campaign focused on cleaning up the debris of coastal areas of rivers and lakes, the «Green spring» month for planting ornamental seedlings, and many others. Alexander Burutin also spoke about the prospects: «In November 2019, the government of the Kurgan region and Dalur, JSC signed a cooperation agreement. The document provides for the implementation of a set of joint activities for the purpose of securing sustainable social and economic development of Dalmatovsky, Shumikhinsky and Zverinogolovsky districts of the Trans-Urals, increasing employment and quality of life of people. Under the Agreement, in particular, the parties will cooperate, in accordance with the established procedure, on cases of inclusion in the regional program of gasification of the Kurgan region of the activities on gasification of Zverinogolovsky district and financing of the gas pipeline construction, renovation and maintenance of road sections used in uranium deposit development and production. Dalur, JSC also committed to taking part in financing social events implemented in the territories of Dalmatovsky, Shumikhinsky and Zverinogolovsky districts.» Nikolay Poponin, Director General of Dalur, JSC, spoke at the round table «Public Hearings as an Efficient Tool of Coordination of the Interests of Business and Society.» He emphasized the ensuring environmental security of uranium mining.

«Any human conduct affects the environment in a negative way. But the work of Dalur, JSC has proved that such impact can be minimized. Since the opening of the first field, which is Dalmatovskoye deposit, in the Kurgan region in 1979, no accidents related to the operation of our company have been recorded. One of the important components of that is the use of in-situ leaching that is safe both for people and the environment,» mentioned Nikolay Poponin.

He showed that in-situ leaching is the most environmentally-friendly and safe way to mine deposits. Indeed, if we compare that technology with mining in open pits and in underground mines significant advantages are evident. No change in the geological state of the subsoil happens, since the mining mass is not extracted. There are no land subsidence and damaging of the earth’s surface, balance ore dumps and waste rocks, as well as no tailings ponds. The natural radioactivity of the ore body remains deep beneath the ground.

In accordance with statutory requirements of the Russian Federation and in order to address the concerns of local public regarding uranium mining, Dalur, JSC invites the residents of the Trans-Urals to all of the ongoing events, discussion of all the preparatory steps for the deposits development. Thus, during the ecological monitoring any local resident is able to specify the sampling point and be present at the actual sampling. At Public Hearings the public is involved in discussion of the construction of each facility project, the Environmental Impact Assessment, the documents for justifying the license for the construction of nuclear energy facilities, and other documents. In 2028-2019 alone, 9 Public hearings were held in Dalmatovsky, Shumikhinsky and Zverinogolovsky districts. According to the results of the public hearings, the plans for the productive development activities of Dalur, JSC were supported by a majority of voters. «Unconditional compliance with the stipulations of domestic legislation, participation of people at all levels of our work, providing an opportunity for everybody to submit their suggestions, additions and comments to the drafts of the documents being developed, and, of course, using those suggestions are our priorities. We will continue to discuss the construction of each facility with local residents, to provide all the necessary documentation and also explain the safety of uranium mining both for people and the environment,» said Nikolay Poponin.

CSR (Corporate social responsibility) programs implemented by the Mining Division of Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation in the Trans-Urals, along with all the work to minimize its negative effects on the environment, were highly appraised by the forum participants. In particular, the Governor of the Kurgan region Vadim Shumkov highlighted the genuine help of the Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation in improving the quality of life in the region. Secretary of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation Lidia Mikheeva said that the CSR programs of ARMZ Uranium Holding Co. in the Trans-Urals can become a role model for other regions.