Thank you, Chair. My question is directed to Mr. Watson.
Thank you for coming to our committee to share your expertise.
As you have said, you lived in a country called Sierra Leone for some time. I too lived in a west African country, a neighbouring country called Liberia. In fact, I lived there for almost ten years, and my parents lived there for 25 years. Both my sons were born in Liberia and left in 1990 when a civil war took place.
Coming to the question, it can be understood that building and operating gold mines is very difficult work, as they are in a remote location with little infrastructure and support and require well-trained professionals to operate safely. Sandstorm Gold's expertise lies not in the first phase of operating mines but rather in the evaluation, analysis, and valuation of gold-mining assets as well as in structuring gold purchase agreements.
The company claims that its aim is to be intricately involved in financing its partners for the long term to ensure that both parties benefit from each transaction. It can be understood that developing countries may become dependent on these mining facilities, as they dictate all levels of social interaction within communities. My question concerns Sandstorm Gold's attitude towards their activities in developing countries.
In your opinion, Mr. Watson, what role does corporate social responsibility play in Sandstorm Gold's operations? What do you feel are the necessary conditions needed to establish and ensure productive and long-term partnerships and relationships between the private sector and local communities?