For the purposes of these guidelines, responsible exploration (CSR applied to exploration) may be defined as the means by which firms integrate social, environmental and health and safety values into their decisions and operations, in a transparent and accountable manner and thereby acting responsibly and contributing to the well-being of society.Thus, responsible exploration properly applied is a means of:
- Assessing and reducing risks
- Minimizing negative impacts (social and environmental) and
- Optimizing the benefits to all involved - local communities, the host country, investors and the company.