12/3/2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 3, 2002
Spokane, Washington — The Northwest Mining Association has awarded Stillwater Mining Company with the Presidential Environmental Excellence Award in recognition of its efforts to create positive benefits to the surrounding communities and exemplify best practices in the industry. This effort resulted in the precedent setting “Good Neighbor Agreement” with local environmental and community groups. The award was presented Tuesday evening at the Association’s 108th Annual Meeting, Exposition and Short Courses in Spokane, Washington.
The Environmental Excellence Award is given to individuals or companies where mining and reclamation activities have demonstrated a high-level commitment to the principles embodied in the Association’s “Statement of Environmental Principles.” Stillwater Mining Company has shown leadership in this effort with its superior environmental performance and a proactive approach to Sustainable Development.
“Stillwater’s “Good Neighbor Agreement” shows how mining and communities can co-exist in a way that is a win-win for everyone,” said Laura Skaer, executive director, the Northwest Mining Association. “ Stillwater agreed to limit its vehicle use on community roads, agreed to fund a “watchdog” committee to ensure compliance with environment laws, and convinced local environmental activists to agree not to sue on permitting issues in exchange for Stillwater’s pro-active work.”
Stillwater also has reclaimed abandon chromium tailings ponds on its property and has worked to protect the Stillwater River, a blue ribbon trout fishery, which runs through the mine site.
The Northwest Mining Association is a 107-year-old, 1,500-member, nonprofit, nonpartisan trade association based in Spokane, Washington. The purpose of the Association is to support and advance the mineral resource and related industries, represent and inform its members on technical, legislative and regulatory issues, provide for the dissemination of educational materials relating to mining, and foster and promote economic opportunity and environmentally responsible mining.
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