Fair Pay & Worker Respect
40
As a large-scale mining operator, the company maintains a significant workforce and is subject to labor regulations in multiple jurisdictions, making Fair Pay & Worker Respect a critical operational standard rather than an inherent feature of the product itself. Centerra Gold demonstrates strong performance in safety and workforce stability, though collective bargaining coverage remains relatively low. In 2024, the company reported a Total Reportable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR) of 0.71, a decrease from 0.76 in 2023.
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This rate is below 1.0, placing it in the top tier for safety performance. Additionally, the company reported zero fatalities and zero high-consequence work-related injuries for the year.
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Regarding workforce structure, Centerra maintains a highly stable employee base with only 24 contract workers out of a total workforce of 1,388 (approximately 1.7%), meeting the highest tier for low insecure contract share.
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The company provides comprehensive health and well-being benefit packages to all employees, including financial and mental health support.
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On pay equity, the company reports a global compensation framework with uniform pay grades and specifically states there is no variance (1.00 ratio) between entry-level wages for men and women.
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While it does not provide a specific living wage percentage, it confirms that all entry-level wages exceed local minimum requirements.
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Collective bargaining coverage is reported at 14% of the global workforce (197 employees) across two sites (Öksüt and Kemess), which aligns with the -30 tier.
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Finally, the company maintains a clean record regarding labor violations, with no documented findings of modern slavery or discrimination, and proactive reporting under the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act.
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Fair Trade & Ethical Sourcing
20
As a mining company, Centerra Gold is inherently exposed to supply chain risks regarding human rights and ethical sourcing of equipment and services, but its core business of gold and copper extraction does not inherently advance or harm fair trade practices in the way a consumer goods company would. Centerra Gold (CG.TSE) demonstrates robust ethical sourcing practices anchored by its adherence to the World Gold Council’s Responsible Gold Mining Principles (RGMPs) and Conflict-Free Gold Standard, achieving full third-party verified conformance for several consecutive years (2022–2025).
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Regarding labor practices, the company reports zero substantiated incidents of forced or child labor over a 10-year horizon and maintains strict prohibitions through its Supplier Code of Conduct.
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Traceability is high; in 2025, the company reported that over 99% of its ~2,700 suppliers originate from low-risk jurisdictions (Canada, USA, Turkey, and Western Europe).
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It implemented a third-party tracking system in 2025 providing automated, real-time continuous monitoring of supplier risk profiles, which aligns with the highest tiers for digital monitoring and traceability.
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Contractual enforcement is comprehensive, with 100% of service providers required to agree to the Supplier Code of Conduct or equivalent terms, including human rights and anti-corruption clauses, prior to commencing work.
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In terms of supplier diversity, Centerra directed approximately 26% of its total procurement spend ($191 million of $739 million) to local and indigenous suppliers in 2025.
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This includes 25 active collaborations with Indigenous-owned businesses, representing a steady increase from previous years.
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While the company utilizes a risk-based approach to mitigate high-risk material spend (Conflict-Free Gold Standard), it does not report a 0% high-risk spend but ensures all such spend is under active mitigation and independent assurance.
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Audit frequency is characterized by annual on-site third-party assurance for RGMPs and continuous digital monitoring for the broader supplier base.
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Honest & Fair Business
10
As a large-scale mining company, Centerra Gold operates in a sector with high regulatory scrutiny and complex disclosure requirements, but its core business model does not inherently advance or harm the value of honest and fair business practices. Centerra Gold demonstrates a strong commitment to honest and fair business practices through robust governance and transparent reporting. **Regulatory & Financial Integrity:** The company reports zero regulatory fines in the past three years and zero financial restatements in the last five years.
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It maintains a clean record regarding mine safety citations (MSHA) and water quality compliance.
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While it has accrued $23.2 million for a royalty dispute (H.R.S. Resources Corp), this is characterized as a legal proceeding in the ordinary course of business rather than an ethics-related fine.
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**Governance & Independence:** The board is highly independent, with 7 out of 8 members (87.5%) classified as independent, including an external chair.
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The Audit Committee is 100% independent.
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The company employs KPMG for external audits and maintains an internal audit group that examines all operating sites, suggesting high audit coverage (estimated at 97%+ given the centralized nature of its primary assets).
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**Ethics & Whistleblowing:** Centerra maintains a 24/7 anonymous whistleblower hotline operated by an independent third party (ClearView Connects™).
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The policy includes explicit non-retaliation protections and multiple reporting channels.
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Its anti-corruption framework (International Business Conduct Policy) includes annual certifications for directors and senior staff and automated monitoring, aligning with FCPA and Canadian standards.
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**Verification:** The company achieves high levels of third-party verification. It received independent limited assurance for 25 ESG performance metrics and full conformance to the World Gold Council’s 51 Responsible Gold Mining Principles (RGMPs).
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Additionally, its Öksüt Mine is certified under the International Cyanide Management Code and ISO 50001.
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Kind to Animals
-20
Large-scale mining operations inherently involve significant land disturbance, habitat destruction, and fragmentation, which directly threaten local wildlife populations and biodiversity. Centerra Gold (CG.TSE) operates in the mining sector, where animal welfare issues primarily intersect with wildlife conservation and habitat management rather than product testing or agriculture. For Wildlife Conservation Impact, the company is scored at -40. Evidence across multiple articles (
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) demonstrates strategic habitat protection and documented improvements for multiple species. Key actions include the installation of bird flight diverters at the Öksüt Mine to protect migration routes, elk population monitoring at Mount Milligan, and bat box restoration at the Kemess Project.
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Most notably, studies at the Kumtor site (prior to exit) confirmed a 'substantial rebound' in populations of snow leopards, Siberian ibex, and argali.
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While the company invests in these projects, the total expenditure relative to its multi-billion dollar revenue streams does not reach the higher positive tiers, and mining operations inherently involve habitat disruption.
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For Public Policy Engagement, the company is scored at -40. Centerra actively participates in regulatory consultations and collaborates with global NGOs (e.g., Fauna & Flora International, International Snow Leopard Trust) to develop site-specific Biodiversity Management Plans (BMPs).
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It also integrates Traditional Ecological Knowledge from Indigenous groups into its planning processes.
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KPIs related to animal testing (policy, volume, alt-testing), cruelty-free certifications, and animal agriculture are scored as 0 (N/A).
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As a mining firm, Centerra does not conduct animal testing, produce animal-derived products, or manage industrial animal husbandry.
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Its support for local livestock (e.g., the Öksüt feed project) is categorized as socio-economic community development rather than core animal agriculture operations.
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No War, No Weapons
0
Gold and copper mining are industrial activities that do not inherently involve the production of weapons or military contracts, placing the company in a neutral position regarding the 'No War' value. Centerra Gold (CG.TSE) is a mining company focused on gold, copper, and molybdenum, with no evidence of involvement in arms manufacturing or defense contracts.
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Regarding revenue and core business, the company operates exclusively in the mining sector (ISIC 0729).
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Evidence from its 2024 and 2025 Conflict-Free Gold Reports confirms that its primary assets (Mount Milligan and Öksüt) do not source gold from external suppliers and are not located in conflict-affected or high-risk areas (CAHRAs) as defined by the Heidelberg Conflict Barometer.
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Consequently, the company reports 0% procurement from conflict zones.
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In terms of compliance and human rights, Centerra demonstrates strong alignment with international standards.
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It explicitly states alignment with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHRs).
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Its human rights due diligence is conducted annually, with updates for new suppliers via third-party monitoring.
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The company maintains a formal policy against supporting unlawful armed conflict and has received independent third-party assurance (Cedar Water Strategy) confirming zero exposure to controversial weapons or conflict-linked gold production.
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Regarding sales and sanctions, the company performs annual reviews of international sanctions lists (UN, US OFAC, EU, Canada) and reported no applicable sanctions for its operations.
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While it does not have a 'defense' board committee (as it has no defense business), its Technical and Corporate Responsibility Committee oversees human rights and social performance.
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The company's 2024 sustainability report confirms that its security procedures restrict firearms at sites unless legally required, further distancing operations from militarization.
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Planet-Friendly Business
-40
As a large-scale gold and copper mining company, Centerra Gold's core business involves significant land disturbance, high energy consumption, and potential for environmental degradation, which inherently conflicts with proactive environmental stewardship. Centerra Gold (CG.TSE) demonstrates a mix of transparent reporting and operational challenges typical of the mining sector. **Emissions & Climate:** The company reported total Scope 1 and 2 emissions of 198,110 tCO2e in 2025, a 15% increase due to the Thompson Creek restart.
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While its emissions intensity (0.37 tCO2e/oz) is significantly lower than the industry average (0.80 tCO2e/oz), the company lacks a formal Net Zero target year or SBTi-validated targets.
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Renewable energy use is reported at 0% under SASB guidelines because power is sourced from regional grids rather than direct PPAs, although the Öksüt mine uses RECs to claim 100% renewable electricity for that specific site.
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**Water & Waste:** Water stewardship is a strength, with recycling rates of 72% at Mount Milligan and 94% at Öksüt.
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However, 100% of Öksüt’s water is withdrawn from high-stress basins, representing approximately 4-5% of the company's total water footprint.
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The company achieved a 72% non-mineral waste recycling rate and holds a "Zero Waste" certification at Öksüt.
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**Compliance & Governance:** Centerra maintains an exemplary compliance record with zero significant reportable environmental incidents in 2025 and zero water quality permit violations.
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It has integrated TCFD-aligned climate risk management into its Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) and conducts comprehensive climate scenario analysis across its major assets.
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**Biodiversity:** The company manages 10-15% of its land under active conservation or restoration programs, including elk monitoring, Joshua tree transplantation, and whitebark pine replanting, following a "no net loss" approach.
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Respect for Cultures & Communities
-40
As a large-scale mining company, Centerra Gold's operations inherently involve significant land use, potential displacement, and environmental impacts on local and indigenous communities, which are high-risk areas for community conflict and rights violations. Centerra Gold’s performance is characterized by a sharp divide between its modern Canadian/Turkish operations and the legacy of its Kumtor mine in Kyrgyzstan. Severe historical and ongoing harms are documented at Kumtor.
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Water rights conflicts are scored at -80 due to substantiated environmental damage, including the 1998 cyanide spill that poisoned thousands
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and ongoing glacier destruction that led to a $300 million environmental fine in 2016
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and a $3 billion court ruling in 2021.
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Community protest severity is scored at -90, reflecting years of sustained opposition, mass arrests, and injuries during 2013-2014 protests,
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eventually leading to the state seizure of the mine.
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Displacement is tiered at -40 due to the documented evacuation of entire villages following the 1998 spill.
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In Mongolia, the Gatsuurt project faced FPIC gaps (-40)
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and heritage concerns (-30) regarding the Mount Noyon site,
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leading to an OECD complaint.
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While the NCP rejected the case, it recommended improved dialogue and continued cultural access.
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Conversely, Centerra demonstrates strong contemporary practices in North America. Revenue sharing is tiered at 40, supported by independently verified direct payments to Indigenous partners ($3.31M in 2025)
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and formal Impact Benefit Agreements (IBAs) with multiple First Nations.
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Local employment and procurement are tiered at 30, with 65% local hire at Mount Milligan,
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80% at Öksüt,
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and $191M in local procurement (26% of total spend).
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Community grievance resolution is tiered at -30; while the company has established mechanisms and reports zero non-technical delays in 2025,
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legacy disputes in Kyrgyzstan
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and Takla Nation’s 2019 report citing "serious impacts" on rights indicate variable resolution quality.
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Safe & Smart Tech
0
As a mining company, Centerra Gold's core business does not inherently involve the development or deployment of consumer-facing software, AI, or data-intensive digital services, making the value neutral to their primary operations. Centerra Gold demonstrates a standard industry approach to 'Safe & Smart Tech' for the mining sector. Regarding cybersecurity and data governance, the company explicitly identifies cyber incidents (malware, ransomware, and data breaches) as material operational risks.
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The Audit Committee Charter (approved February 2025) formally assigns oversight of cybersecurity, privacy, data security, and AI governance risk exposures to the Audit Committee.
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This includes reviewing measures to protect the integrity of information systems and employee data.
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While the company acknowledges the risks of AI—specifically mentioning algorithmic bias, lack of transparency, and data quality errors—there is no evidence of 'harmful AI outputs' or 'revolutionary' governance; the presence of these policies and oversight bodies warrants a neutral score (0) for AI ethics and governance.
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In terms of security culture and training, 100% of employees signed the Code of Ethics in 2025, and the company maintains a 24/7 compliance hotline.
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However, there is no quantitative data on phishing click rates or insider-driven leak incidents to justify a non-neutral tier for training effectiveness.
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Regulatory compliance is maintained through adherence to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) and Canadian National Instrument 52-109, with management concluding that internal controls over financial reporting were effective as of December 31, 2025.
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The company also complies with the 'Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act'.
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No significant data breaches or unauthorized data use incidents were reported in the provided evidence for the 2024-2025 period, supporting a neutral baseline for those KPIs.
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Zero Waste & Sustainable Products
-40
Mining is inherently an extractive industry that generates significant volumes of waste, including tailings and overburden, which are difficult to manage in a circular or cradle-to-cradle framework. Centerra Gold demonstrates a structured approach to waste management across its mining operations, though performance varies by waste stream. In 2025, the company reported a non-hazardous waste recycling rate of 36% (7,384 tonnes generated, 2,667 tonnes recycled), which aligns with a moderate recycling program (Tier -50).
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However, its hazardous waste management is exceptional, achieving a 100% recycling rate for hazardous materials in 2025 (1,003 tonnes) and maintaining full certification under the International Cyanide Management Code (ICMC) at its Öksüt Mine (Tier -10).
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The company has implemented over 8-10 distinct waste reduction initiatives, including water recycling (72-94% rates), mercury abatement systems, and the use of non-acid generating waste rock for dam construction (Tier -20).
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The Öksüt Mine specifically holds a "Zero Waste" certification from the Turkish Ministry of Environment, representing approximately 25-35% of its primary producing assets (Tier -40).
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Compliance is strong, with the company reporting zero significant reportable environmental incidents or waste-related violations over the 2024-2025 period (Tier -40).
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While the company lacks a single consolidated zero-waste target, it maintains quantitative targets for specific waste streams and water recycling (Tier -60).
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Supplier engagement is formalized through a Supplier Code of Conduct that mandates adherence to environmental and waste management expectations, supported by performance monitoring (Tier -10).
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Customer and community education efforts are innovative, featuring programs like the "Zero Waste Training Program for Women Entrepreneurs" and the "Junior Environmental Monitor Program," which provide measurable community engagement (Tier -20).
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