Goldcorp's Commitment to Security and Human Rights Training

Equipping Our People on Security and Human Rights
Nov 5, 2014 3:30 PM ET

Goldcorp 2013 Sustainability Report

At Goldcorp, we are committed to integrating respect for human rights into our business management processes throughout the company.    In an effort to strengthen our commitment to respect human rights and in line with the implementation of the Conflict-Free Gold Standard in 2013, we recognized that it would be imperative to offer training and support across our sites. One key aspect of the training offered to personnel was on human rights – particularly on best practices in human rights and security.   In July 2013, we gathered staff from Community Relations and Security from Mexico, Guatemala and Argentina for a three-day training session, diving into the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR). Training consisted of a discussion of the Voluntary Principles background and intent, and then progressed through a detailed discussion of each of the three VPSHR components (Risk Assessment, Public Security Force Relations, and Private Security Force Relations). Throughout, the lessons discussed responsibilities and provided guidance on implementing the Voluntary Principles. The training module combined a mix of lecture, case study review and interactive practical exercises. Participants engaged with the material through lively case study debates and discussions.   Holding the session with both Security and Community Relations personnel helped to build bridges between these two departments, both of which engage with visitors, contractors and community members in the course of their duties. It was also an opportunity for staff from different sites to learn from each other and exchange challenges and best practices.   “The most valuable part for me was bringing into alignment the knowledge we have from individual sites,” said Werner Tanchez, Manager of Sustainable Development at Marlin. The opportunity for them to exchange experiences enriched the sessions for all, helping to ensure that respecting human rights is a foundational part of how we conduct ourselves in all interactions with our stakeholders. “The Mexican sites’ commitment was strengthened. There was an appreciably higher level of enthusiasm for implementing [these concepts] just as well or better as has been done at our Guatemalan operation,” added Julio Merida, Manager of Administration, IT and Systems Risk for Goldcorp Guatemala.   The sessions had a lasting impact. Attendees from our El Sauzal mine went back to their site and there implemented a program training employees and raising awareness in the surrounding communities.   Learn more about Goldcorp's human rights commitment in the 2013 Sustainability Report: http://csr.goldcorp.com/2013/8_index.php