Independence Group Sustainability Report 2019

BETTER RECOVERY Proactively Green mining is characterised by improved recovery of the valuable metals from ore. Target metals are generally extracted from ore by means of metallurgical processes. These processes are not 100 per cent efficient, but new technologies will improve these outcomes. The IGO Process™ is a new and innovative concept we have developed for producing high quality nickel sulphate directly from nickel sulphide concentrate, which is more environmentally friendly, lower cost and more efficient with extraction rates in excess of 97 per cent for nickel and cobalt. BETTER USE AND RE-USE Proactively Green mining is characterised by the preferential sale of our products to those users who manufacture clean energy technologies and products that are either reusable or recyclable. In FY19, IGO commenced a process to explore how we might achieve vertical integration across the clean energy value chain. We have ongoing workstreams to investigate the opportunity for IGO to have exposure to the downstream nickel sulphate and potential cathode precursor chemicals markets. This would unlock greater value from the metals we produce while unlocking value via the supply chain of materials critical for clean energy. This focus on vertical integration is reflected in the work we commenced in 2018 to produce nickel sulphates directly from nickel sulphide concentrates. BETTER MINE CLOSURE Proactively Green mining will be characterised by effective mine closure. We must close mines at the end of their economically viable and operational lives more effectively, relinquishing to acceptable and approved land uses. Where the land was once a natural system, we must also restore ecological functionality or provide for adequate offsets. This process will further enable ongoing research and stakeholder engagement. In FY19, IGO completed substantial mediation works at the Long Operation before its sale, with 13.26ha of historic mining areas rehabilitated. During the financial year, additional vegetation surveys were also completed to better understand what revegetation establishment and rehabilitation success may look like at the site and to assist with better closure planning. IGO SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019 — 19