Ophir Energy plc ("Ophir") is committed to taking an active part in the development of the countries in which it operates. The company conducts its operations in an ethical, responsible, apolitical, independent and transparent way. We manage our Corporate and Social Responsibility ("CSR") with the same principles underlying the conduct of our core activities, which are determination, innovation and excellence.
Ophir operates in regions offering a great variety of geographical, cultural, economical and social environments. Africa is a mosaic of countries with contrasting levels of developments, regulations, languages, traditions and expectations. Our long term involvement with our host countries and local partners, as well as our multicultural team, are instrumental in ensuring we keep in tune and maintain an effective dialogue in line with our business objectives.
Ophir believes its presence is felt positively by its hosts as the Company creates value locally, benefiting not only the employees but the larger community. The Company ensures its projects will bring opportunities and its investment will make a difference.
Ophir focuses in the following areas:
Ophir conducts comprehensive and integrated Environmental Impact Studies at each stage of its projects with recognised consultants and methods, and in consultation with local authorities, NGOs and communities. Our environmental plan is implemented in association with our Corporate Health, Safety & Environmental Manual.
One of our initiatives for the conservation of environment has been to support a research project in the Western Sahara. Since 2006 we have contributed to archaeological research conducted during various field missions by the University of East Anglia (United Kingdom) in the Tifariti Region of Western Sahara. This programme represents a valuable contribution to the preservation and knowledge of historical occupation in Western Sahara.
Reports and photos can be viewed on http://www.cru.uea.ac.uk/~e118/WS/WSahara.htm.
Health and Safety
Ophir's operations are conducted in accordance with local and international health and safety best practices.
The Company offices in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea have implemented mosquito eradication programmes.
Ophir also provides internationally accredited driving and first aid courses to all local employees as part of the comprehensive training programme tailored for the staff.
Education
Ophir contributes to the Equatorial Guinean Hydrocarbon Technological Institute Educational Programme ("ITNHGE") a collaborative educational initiative run for the benefit of adult students in Equatorial Guinea. A group of 46 students enrolled in the full time intensive English programme and completed their first semester in May 2008 in Malabo.
Ophir runs a comprehensive training programme for the Equatorial Guinean staff consisting of English language courses as well as IT and word processing classes.
In 2008, Ophir fully sponsored the construction of a two classroom nursery school equipped with 20 desks in the village of Ebein Yenkeng in the Niefang Region, Central South Equatorial Guinea. Stage 1 has been completed, Stage 2 is progressing.
Ophir funded a cultural exchange programme between Gabon and South Africa under the auspices of the South African Embassy for the Nelson Mandela School in Libreville.
Community Development
Ophir is currently assessing the best way to contribute to community development and to support local initiatives via a charitable programme which would channel future donations to individuals or small organisations.
Tchisseka Health Care Centre
Congo CSR Tchisseka
Donation of Water Tanks to Dar es Salaam locals
Dar es Salaam CSR Water Tanks