Local Business Support

• Procurement from Local Suppliers: We prioritize sourcing goods and services from local businesses, providing a steady stream of revenue and creating sustainable employment opportunities. In 2023, approximately 40% of our total procurement budget was spent on local vendors, including suppliers of food, equipment, construction materials, and security services.
• Business Development Grants: We offer grant funding and microloans to local entrepreneurs who wish to start or expand their businesses. This includes funding for agriculture, food processing, and handicrafts. Our goal is to foster self-reliance and create long-term economic opportunities.
• Skills Development for Entrepreneurs: Through partnerships with local chambers of commerce and business development organizations, Royal Gold Ashanti provides entrepreneurship training in areas such as business management, accounting, marketing, and customer service. These training sessions empower local entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed.

Examples of Local Business Support

• In Mali, Royal Gold Ashanti partnered with a local women’s cooperative to establish a handicraft workshop that produces traditional jewelry, which is then sold to international markets.
• In Burkina Faso, we support agricultural cooperatives by providing access to markets, training in modern farming techniques, and funding for seed purchases.

Impact of Local Business Support

• Over 200 local businesses have been supported through procurement contracts, grants, and training, contributing to the local economy’s diversification and resilience.
• More than 50% of local suppliers to Royal Gold Ashanti now meet international standards, increasing their competitiveness in both local and global markets.

"Supporting local businesses is about more than just procurement; it’s about building an economy that can thrive long after mining operations conclude."

Infrastructure Projects

In addition to direct investment in education and local business, Royal Gold Ashanti plays a leading role in enhancing local infrastructure. We partner with local governments and development organizations to build critical infrastructure that benefits not only our workforce but the broader communities where we operate.

Infrastructure Development Focus Areas

• Road Construction & Rehabilitation: We have funded and built key road networks connecting rural mining communities to urban centers, improving access to markets, healthcare, and educational opportunities. In Burkina Faso, our infrastructure projects have reduced travel time between villages by 30%, making it easier for families to access essential services.
• Water & Sanitation Projects: Access to clean water and proper sanitation is a critical issue in many rural areas. Royal Gold Ashanti has invested in building water supply systems, including wells, boreholes, and water treatment plants, as well as improving sanitation facilities in communities affected by our mining operations.
• Electricity Projects: In partnership with national utilities, we have supported efforts to extend electricity to remote communities, particularly in Ghana, where we helped power nearly 30 villages by extending the national grid.

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Key Infrastructure Projects

• Roads: More than 150 kilometers of road have been constructed or rehabilitated across our operating regions.
• Water Supply: Over 10,000 community members have benefited from new water sources in Burkina Faso and Mali.
• Community Buildings: We have built community centers, sports complexes, and health clinics, offering local populations places for social, recreational, and medical needs.

Impact of Infrastructure Projects

• Job Creation: Our infrastructure projects have created over 5,000 local jobs during construction and operation, benefiting thousands of families.
• Improved Access: The roads and utilities we’ve helped build have improved access to healthcare, education, and markets, directly contributing to an enhanced quality of life for the people living in the mining regions.

"Infrastructure is the backbone of community development. Our investments in roads, water, and power are transforming the lives of thousands and leaving a lasting legacy in the regions we serve."

Conclusion

Royal Gold Ashanti’s CSR initiatives reflect our belief that a responsible mining company must not only focus on economic performance but also contribute positively to the social and environmental well-being of the communities we touch. Through our education programs, support for local businesses, and infrastructure development, we are working to build a sustainable future for generations to come.

We understand that our success is tied to the prosperity of the communities around us, and we remain committed to being a force for positive change, helping create thriving, self-sufficient communities that will continue to prosper long after the last ounce of gold is mined.

"Our CSR efforts are a long-term investment in the communities we serve. By creating shared value, we ensure a legacy that will continue to benefit everyone involved."