Regarding the environmental allegations against our subsidiary, Serbia Zijin Copper, we have already provided a response on March 25, 2024. Please refer to your official website for details: https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/latest-news/zijin-minings-response/

We would like to provide the following clarification on this matter:

Upon taking over operations, Serbia Zijin Copper inherited a mining and smelting complex with over a century of development, where pollutants such as flue gas and wastewater were historically discharged directly, leading to significant environmental challenges.

As of April 2025, Serbia Zijin Copper has invested over USD 268 million in environmental protection and ecological restoration. Through a series of technological upgrades and the installation of numerous environmental facilities — including a tail gas desulfurization system — the company has successfully resolved the long-standing issue of sulfur dioxide emissions in Bor. A new wastewater treatment system has also been constructed, enabling the full recycling of industrial wastewater, and for the first time since 1948, the Bor River has become visibly clear. In addition, the company has taken active responsibility for addressing historical environmental issues by carrying out greening, land reclamation, and afforestation at the old tailings dam and waste dump slopes. To date, the company has rehabilitated and revegetated 370.4546 hectares of land, continuously improving the mine's ecosystem.

We fully recognize that mining operations may impact the living environment of surrounding communities and understand the residents’ deep concerns. In response, Serbia Zijin Copper has taken a two-pronged approach to addressing community concerns.

First, the company is committed to integrating environmental impact monitoring as an essential part of its operations. It strictly complies with Serbian environmental laws and regulations and actively accepts supervision and inspections from government authorities and the public. The government has established multiple automatic real-time air quality monitoring stations across Bor. In addition, Serbia Zijin Copper has developed its own systems for environmental inspection, monitoring, and performance evaluation. We have installed automatic online monitoring systems for emissions at chimney outlets and for water quality in nearby rivers, enabling daily tracking of discharged gases and river water conditions. All wastewater generated from operations is fully recycled. The company has obtained ISO 14001 certification for its environmental management system and undergoes annual third-party audit to maintain and continuously improve its environmental management capabilities.

Second, the company actively engages with stakeholders. A dedicated corporate social responsibility (CSR) team is in place to handle community affairs and conduct regular visits to communicate directly with residents. We are committed to listening to and addressing any community concerns through established, accessible, and formal channels, including the Community Service Center, regular community visits, open day events, and a standardized grievance mechanism. We encourage community members to make use of these channels to engage in direct dialogue with the company, allowing us to better understand specific issues and work together to find solutions.

While the urban and community environment in Bor has significantly improved, we are well awared that environmental protection is an ongoing effort. Going forward, Serbia Zijin Copper will continue to invest in environmental improvements and work toward achieving harmonious coexistence and shared development with the local community. We also welcome continued oversight and constructive suggestions from all sectors of society to help us improve our performance in environmental protection and social responsibility. Serbia Zijin Copper is committed to working hand in hand with the community and all stakeholders to build a green, harmonious, and sustainable future.