Sharing the good on an unprecedented scale - KGHM’s good CSR practices in 2023
310 projects, campaigns, and actions, more than 2,500 volunteers, more than 200 prevention programs, cooperation with schools and universities, support for sports initiatives, and pro-environmental activities - KGHM presented a summary of its pro-social activities in 2023. The copper industry leader prepared a unique publication that can be a source of inspiration for other companies and institutions. The publication on KGHM’s good CSR practices shows that the company consistently operates according to the principles of social responsibility.
The publication contains a description of the company’s good practices grouped into various categories, including education, social ties, environmental protection, and physical health. The brochure is available online at: https://kghm.com/dobrepraktykiCSR.
“In a world of dynamic economic change, stability and social responsibility are becoming key elements of success. At KGHM, we understand these challenges and responsibly develop our pro-social initiatives and projects that we create with local communities or NGOs. The publication presents our enormous commitment to education, health, and environmental protection in the Copper Belt and beyond,” said Kamil Kowaleczko, KGHM Polska Miedź S.A.’s general director for communication.
Last year, a total of more than 200 prevention programs were carried out, with more than 8,000 participants. KGHM is also a partner in recurring events organized in the region, such as the “Silver” festival in Legnica and “In the Shadow of the Collegiate Church” in Głogów.
“At KGHM, we are well aware that economic and social development go hand in hand, and our involvement in corporate social responsibility programs includes initiatives such as foster parenting, promoting healthy lifestyles, medical research, and cooperation with and helping other people. We firmly believe that simultaneous concern for KGHM’s growth and for people and the environment brings the best results and international success to KGHM. Our company is also engaged in educational, health, cultural, and sports activities. We share the good with the employees of Polska Miedź and the residents of the region, being aware of our responsibility and the expectations of the public,” wrote Tomasz Zdzikot, the President of the Management Board of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A., in the introduction to the brochure.
In 2023, KGHM continued its work for the benefit of the residents of Lower Silesia and the Lubuskie Province and saw a surge in the number of volunteer actions. Particularly popular was the KGHM Academy, an initiative aimed to promote pro-social programs and training for residents, NGOs and schools. As part of the Academy, since 2020, more than 200 initiatives and programs have been implemented, such as the “School for Parents and Educators,” “Leader 100,” “Treasure Archipelago,” and “Power Star.” To date, over 45,000 people have benefited from those projects.
The copper giant supports local social, cultural, and quality of life improvement initiatives. To operate effectively, KGHM incorporates social, cultural, and economic elements into its projects. KGHM’s activities focus on charitable activities, preventive health care, the promotion of sport, as well as support for culture and science. KGHM employees are also highly involved in the implementation of social programs, taking part in numerous volunteer campaigns.
Last year, KGHM, which has supported the most important cross-country skiing event in Poland for many years, became the title partner of the 48th KGHM Bieg Piastów on the Jakuszycka Glade for the first time. One result of KGHM’s long-term commitment is the cross-country skiing trails on the Jakuszycka Glade, which are free of charge for everyone. The trails are highly rated in the skiing community, are groomed and prepared for skiers as well as cross-country skiers or cyclists for the whole year.
Every year, the cooperation is expanded to include other projects such as the pro-social “KGHM Running Academy,” i.e. free weekly training in cross-country skiing for primary school pupils from Lower Silesia. During classes led by professional instructors, the children learned about cross-country skiing techniques and good cross-country skiing behavior. Every year, employees of the copper company appear on the Jakuszycka Glade and, at specially prepared stands, provide support and cheering for the competitors.
Another example of the pro-social involvement of KGHM, which can be found in the brochure, is the “Copper Rivalry” scholarship program, which supports the development of young athletes on their path to a professional career. This year, a new edition of the project was inaugurated in September. As many as 30 athletes from all over Poland received financial support. This is the largest number of scholarship recipients since 2019, when the program was launched.
It is worth emphasizing that volunteer actions are an equally important element of KGHM's pro-social activities in the Copper Belt. Dozens of both collections for the needy and social initiatives related to the promotion of foster parenthood or projects promoting an active lifestyle have been carried out. Small apiaries have appeared at branches of the copper company as part of the 'Copper Bees' campaign. The beehives are taken care of by volunteer workers from KGHM.
The company is also a partner for local governments and NGOs in the organization of health-related activities. Every year we invite residents, among others, to free consultations as part of the Week of the Fight Against Depression. We are involved in campaigns aimed to promote preventive examinations, for example Pink October and Movember.
Education is also an important sphere of KGHM’s activities. The company successfully operates two programs for secondary school students: “Competent in the Industry” and “Digital Future of Copper.” The sponsors schools and is an important partner by engaging in classes with students and subsidizing equipment that is used for practical learning of technical trades.
