Primero is aware that every action taken in its operations affects the community where it operates. This places our operations under an obligation to improve conditions for local communities where possible.

San Dimas actively supports, along with local authorities and the community, a range of social and community initiatives including the construction of classrooms, sports facilities and road maintenance. The mine promotes small business development in the community and encourages the development of alternate sources of income that are not related to mining. These community initiatives have developed from small family projects to self-sustainable businesses including a greenhouse garden, bakery, laundromat, chicken farm and sewing centre.

We work with our employees to help them fulfill their potential, by providing opportunities for career advancement and skills development. In response to the need for increased learning opportunities in the region, San Dimas teamed with the Mexican government and launched an Adult Education Program for employees, families and residents. Since 2006, 268 students have graduated from the program.

In 2011 we provided a 75% tuition subsidy to all 220 students (preschool through secondary school) attending the local school, whether they are our employees’ children or not.

The Miner Women project at San Dimas aims to employ more female workers in all areas of the operation, in an effort to elevate their status in the family and community and improve their quality of life. Women are recruited and trained as specialized machinery operators, especially for large, heavy duty equipment and electro hydraulic jumbos. The women have become significant financial contributors or in some cases, the sole supporter of the family unit.

San Dimas is an important business for Mexico and is a significant contributor to the Mexican economy. It has provided ongoing direct and indirect economic benefits and opportunities for the Mexican people for more than 250 years. The mines provide substantial employment and other benefits for local communities close to the operations.

As a critical step in establishing our presence as the new owner of the San Dimas mine, we carried out a community-wide economic, social and cultural development survey in the local area. Nearly 1,000 surveys were distributed (covering 95% of households in the community) requesting general information on their family and living conditions, relationships and health. The results will assist us in developing future community support programs.