Environmental Responsibility

EDM believes that anything short of best management is unacceptable. Environmental excellence is a strategic business objective. EDM is committed to protecting the environment wherever the Company is exploring for new resources, or developing, operating or closing mines.

This involves integrating environmental priorities into decision-making throughout the mining life-cycle. Early in the project planning, EDM engages external experts and experienced corporate staff to complete baseline studies of flora and fauna, water and air quality, and cultural sites to ensure that development proceeds, and management systems are designed, with their protection in mind. Throughout a mine's life and after, EDM aims to meet or surpass its regulatory requirements, and measures its performance with regular site audits. Other priorities include conserving resources, such as water and energy, recycling materials, such as scrap metal and batteries, training for employees and contractors, and reclaiming land to restore it to productive alternative land use.

Through its comprehensive environmental management activities, EDM is committed to ensuring that:

• environmental effects are being adequately addressed;
• controls are in place to ensure compliance with corporate environmental policies and obligations;
• environmental management activities are supported by adequate resources and financial provisions; and
• plans are in place to ensure that the environment is protected for future generations and that the sustainability of nearby communities is safeguarded.

Environmental Policy Statement

EDM believes that wise environmental stewardship is founded in the diligent application of proven natural resource management controls and practices for the protection, reclamation and enhancement of the environment.

EDM's management practices will continue to fully integrate environmental evaluation, planning, and design into its business development strategies.

Therefore, in the best interests of its business, its employees, its shareholders, and the communities in which it operates, EDM will:

1. Comply with all environmental laws and regulations.
2. Establish and maintain a clearly defined environmental management program to guide its operations.
3. Ensure that its directors, officers, managers, and employees understand and adhere to its environmental management program.
4. Provide its managers and supervisors at each operation with the appropriate authority and the resources necessary to carry out its environmental Management program, including the administration of site-specific environmental practices.
5. Conduct periodic reviews of its operations to monitor environmental performance and to guide its environmental management program.
6. Require those who provide it with services and products to practice good environmental stewardship.
7. Sponsor research directed at expanding scientific knowledge and achieving cost-effective solutions to environmental issues.
8. Promote environmental awareness among its employees, their families, and the communities in which it operates.
9. Work with governmental and civic leaders, environmental groups, and other concerned parties to develop a mutual understanding of environmental issues.
10. Mitigate its environmental impacts and support environmental enhancement programs of common benefit.