RUPTURE IN THE TAILING BASIN DRAINAGE SYSTEM IS RESOLVED

Lunda Sul, August 9, 2021:A rupture in a tailings dam pipeline which caused damage in the dike pipe of the tailings’ basin, causing a spill into the Tchicapa River has now been fixed. The water quality has improvedsignificantly since the rupture was plugged. The situation is now resolved.

On 27 July, when a leak of rejected pulp (high concentration of sand mixed with water) was identified, we responded promptly to protect the environment. The first priority was closing the leak in the pipe from the tailings dam, as well as the construction of two dykes for the filtration of suspended particles, allowingclear water to reach adjacent rivers. A survey was conducted which showed that there was no risk to life in local populations as a result of the leak from the tailings dam.

To help local populations around the affected rivers, as a result of the turbidity of the water, Catoca willprovide direct support to the villages with food baskets, ensuring that if fish populations are disrupted in the area then the local community will have a fair provision of food. These efforts will begin fully on Wednesday 11 August 2021.

Sociedade Mineira de Catoca, Ltd., remains firmly committed to social and environmental responsibility. We strive to maintain the highest standards for good mining project management practices, respecting the Mining Code, the Basic Environmental Law and all complementary laws, in line with the environmental authorities. As an organisation we act in strict compliance international measures and regulations, as well as with laws and regulations in the jurisdiction of Angola. Through social responsibility programs, Catoca supports thousands of families in the fields of education, health, and economic development through the promotion of agriculture and fish farming.Catoca has four strategic social programs: Student Catoca, Credit to Rural Women, Academic Catoca and Young Catoca Entrepreneur; each designed to support key areas within the local community.

ENDS

 About Sociedade Mineira de Catoca:

Located in Lunda Sul Province, Sociedade Mineira de Catoca is the fourth largest open pit mine in the world, responsible for over 75% of the country’s diamond production. Today, 26 years since it began, Catoca is the company which generates the most jobs in the private sector in Lunda Sul Province, generating more than 5,000 direct and indirect jobs.  This number could rise as Catoca explores new projects in the years ahead.