Steppe Gold Executive VP Aneel Waraich Shares Insights on Building Community Engagement

TL;DR

Anil Viraj, Executive Vice President of Steps Bond, provides an overview of their gold and silver production projects in Mongolia and their recent acquisition of a project in Peru.

Transcript

foreign hello and welcome to CEO insights I'm Marilyn De Guzman with investing News Network we are at pdac in Toronto and I'm here with Anil viraj Executive Vice President and director of steps bomb hello Anil hi there good to have you today thank you first can we start off with an overview of your company and bring us up to date on your priority p... Read More

Key Insights

• 👀 Steps Bond is a gold and silver producer in Mongolia, looking to expand its operations through a phase 2 expansion.
• ❓ They prioritize community engagement and have successfully employed and educated local Mongolians.
• ⚾ The recent acquisition in Peru has doubled their asset base, showcasing their growth and diversification strategy.
• 👨‍💼 ESG practices are integral to Steps Bond's business, and they have implemented various initiatives to benefit the environment and local communities.
• ❓ Steps Bond recognizes the importance of succession planning and skill development in the mining industry.
• 💪 Peru is considered an established mining jurisdiction, with a strong workforce and existing mining operations.
• 📽️ Steps Bond aims to bring their expansion project in Mongolia online while simultaneously progressing with the Peru project.

Questions & Answers

Q: How has Steps Bond engaged with the local community in Mongolia?

Before starting operations, Steps Bond reached out to the local community, informing them about their plans, potential benefits, and job opportunities. They have provided scholarships and now employ nearly 300 local Mongolians.

Q: What social, cultural, and economic considerations go into developing relationships with local communities in Peru?

Steps Bond plans to educate the local community in Peru about the benefits they can receive and how they can benefit from the project. Similar to Mongolia, Steps Bond aims to promote skill development, procure local materials, and be environmentally friendly.

Q: How important is ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) to investors in the mining industry?

ESG is a significant consideration for investors. Steps Bond has been proactively implementing ESG practices and believes that it is essential for building a real business and gaining community support. They have planted trees and established local cooperatives, among other initiatives.

Q: How does Steps Bond address the need for skilled workers in the mining industry?

Steps Bond focuses on succession planning and educating the local population. They provide scholarships for locals to learn about mining and hire from their scholarship recipients. This helps create a new breed of skilled workers for the mining industry.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Steps Bond is a gold and silver producer in Mongolia, currently producing over 40,000-50,000 ounces per year with plans for expansion.

• They have engaged with the local community in Mongolia, providing scholarships and employment opportunities.

• Steps Bond recently acquired a project in Peru, doubling their asset base.