Sustainability
CLIMATE CHANGE AND CARBON NEUTRALITY
Recognising that mining operations, along with our day-to-day activities, impact the natural environment and that climate change poses a significant challenge to global populations, Emerald has implemented several programs to actively mitigate these effects. We are focused on tangible nature-based solutions for our carbon offset, including habitat protection, restoration, and biodiversity enhancement. Our goal is to develop a nature-based carbon offset project or projects that complements our existing initiatives – such as the Biodiversity Offset program implemented in the Phnom Prich Wildife Sanctuary Mondulkiri – to achieve neutrality at our mining operations and a net positive impact to environmental values.
Achieving a CDP score of B for Climate is a fantastic recognition of Emerald’s commitment to transparency and environmental responsibility. This score reflects our proactive efforts in voluntarily reporting and managing climate-related risks and opportunities. Notably, 2024 marks Emerald’s first year reporting on the CDP platform, showcasing our dedication to sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint. This achievement underscores our ongoing work to align with global best practices and contribute positively to addressing climate change.
This dedication has led the Company to invest in substantial proprietary investments in nature-based initiatives focused on restoring forest cover, enhancing wildlife habitats, and boosting biodiversity.
A partnership with the Royal Government of Cambodia in August 2024 made it possible to launch our first carbon offset initiative with the Phnom 1500 Carbon Offset Restoration Project (Phnom 1500). The project, which began with a tree planting campaign, focuses on regenerating degraded land that has been affected by illegal land grabbing and encroachment, but is still ecologically significant. Located within the Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary in the Cardamom Mountain region, the restoration efforts at Phnom 1500 support a range of endangered species, including the Asian elephant, pileated gibbon, silver langur, various bird species, and more.
The Phnom 1500 was officially launched with a tree planting ceremony in early August 2024, bringing together community members and government authorities to highlight shared efforts in combating climate change and preserving biodiversity. By the end of August, Emerald had planted 45,174 trees from 14 indigenous species across 56 hectares of land. The initiative also engaged local communities, with government officers and school groups participating in the planting efforts, while a dedicated local workforce has been retained for ongoing site maintenance to ensure the project’s long-term success.
In 2025, Emerald will ramp up its efforts with an ambitious goal to plant over 100,000 trees across 250 hectares at Phnom 1500. With site maintenance and preparations already underway, this exciting expansion will not only restore vital ecosystems but also significantly contribute to carbon capture. By increasing forest cover, the project will play a key role in reducing atmospheric CO₂, helping us move closer to achieving our carbon neutrality goals.
This project complements Emerald’s broader commitment to carbon neutrality, as we continue to focus on nature-based solutions such as habitat protection, restoration, and biodiversity enhancement, supporting our long-term sustainability goals.
Restoring Nature, Capturing Carbon: Phnom 1500
Emerald’s Phnom 1500 project is restoring vital ecosystems, planting trees to capture carbon, support endangered species, and combat climate change.