Supporting local initiatives
Equinox Gold’s objective is to leave a positive legacy of improved infrastructure, skills development and healthy, sustainable communities. We meet regularly with local community leaders and interest groups to discuss common issues, seek solutions and implement collaborative strategies with the aim of improving the quality of life for community members. For example, we recently completed construction of a new school for the Aurizona community and assisted in the construction of a community centre for the Mezcala community, close to our Los Filos mine.
At our Aurizona Mine in Brazil, Equinox Gold has partnered with both local and federal governments to support a number of initiatives that have improved the quality of life for local communities, such as the installation of a potable water treatment plant and access to the mine site’s urgent care and emergency clinic.
At Aurizona we have implemented the Integrated and Sustainable Agroecological Production program, which promotes entrepreneurship and training in agricultural practices, and provides access to markets to provide income and revenue alternatives for artisanal miners.
Our Partnership Program at the Fazenda and Pilar mines in Brazil supports local associations by supporting community development projects. More than half of the projects supported so far are employment and income generation projects, contributing to the diversification of local economies and development of productive activities other than mining.
Equinox Gold also supports health campaigns, sports programs and cultural events. At our Los Filos Mine in Mexico, Equinox Gold has contributed to community health infrastructure and supported health care services, and promotes education by providing scholarships for basic and university schooling.