Silver Wheaton to Support Corporate Social Responsibility Programs

Silver Wheaton Corp. (TSX:SLW,NYSE:SLW) announced that it has set up a corporate social responsibility program aimed at providing financial support for its partners’ social projects. Recently, the company committed to supporting programs led by Primero Mining Corp. (TSX:P,NYSE:PPP) and Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX,NYSE:ABX).

As quoted in the press release:

Silver Wheaton is helping its partners to finance two key initiatives. Primero has committed to building three community facilities in Tayoltita, Mexico, a town located near the San Dimas mine. The project, which is expected to provide well-needed recreational opportunities for the community of Tayoltita, is forecast to be completed in 2015. Furthermore, Barrick has committed to executing an irrigation project in the communities of Jachal and Iglesia ofSan Juan Province, Argentina, located near the Veladero mine and Pascua-Lama project. Barrick’s aim is to enhance water conservation and agricultural outputs by conserving and optimizing water resources through the implementation of drip and sprinkling irrigation technology. This project is also expected to be completed in 2015.

Randy Smallwood, president and CEO of Silver Wheaton, commented:

Silver Wheaton has always been committed to building strong partnerships, and as our company has grown, we have become increasingly focussed on supporting the communities around the mines where we have streaming agreements. We’re extremely pleased to be providing support to Primero and Barrick for their community projects in Mexico and Argentina, respectively. These financial contributions will positively impact the communities where their mining operations are located, providing long-term, sustainable benefits. We look forward to seeing the benefits of these projects, and are committed to creating new agreements with existing and future mining partners.

Click here to read the full Silver Wheaton Corp. (TSX:SLW,NYSE:SLW) press release.