Sibelco Recognized by Wildlife Habitat Council for Environmental Excellence

Crystal Processing Site Achieves Silver Level Certification

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sibelco, a global leader in material solutions and a leader in the mining and processing of high purity quartz, today announced it has received the Wildlife Habitat Council’s (WHC’s) Conservation Silver Certification® for its Crystal Plant site in Spruce Pine, N.C., in recognition of the company’s outstanding conservation efforts and wildlife programs.

“We are proud of our strong commitment to our community and environmental stewardship, which we demonstrate through our many longstanding wildlife and habitat programs,” said Cathy Blervacq, Vice President, Sustainability at Sibelco. “Sibelco maintains wildlife monitoring and food plots, pollinator gardens, an American chestnut plot, hay fields and a river, and provides educational programs, including bird education and habitat gardens, at local primary and elementary schools.”

Sibelco’s Crystal WHC program is led by employee volunteers at the local level who engage with and give back to the communities where Sibelco operates. Programs include wildlife habitat management, creating or improving habitats, providing conservation education and community outreach initiatives.

Companies achieving WHC Conservation Certification are environmental leaders, voluntarily managing their lands to support sustainable ecosystems and the communities that surround them. WHC’s Conservation Certification® is the only voluntary sustainability standard designed for broad-based biodiversity enhancement and conservation education activities on corporate lands. The WHC conducts an objective, third-party evaluation of programs prior to certifying sites under the program.

“Engaging with the community is a critical component of our conservation activities in Spruce Pine, where we are committed to creating a positive legacy,” added Achille Njike, Executive Vice President of Operations – Americas. “This conservation certification is a testament to our commitment to engaging in sustainable practices and preserving the planet for future generations.”

About Wildlife Habitat Council

Wildlife Habitat Council promotes and certifies habitat conservation and management on corporate lands through partnerships and education. WHC Conservation Certification programs take corporate sustainability goals and objectives and translate them into tangible and measurable on-the-ground actions. Through a focus on building collaboration for conservation with corporate employees, other conservation organizations, government agencies and community members, WHC programs focus on healthy ecosystems and connected communities. WHC-assisted wildlife habitat and conservation education programs are found in 48 states and 24 countries. Learn more at www.wildlifehc.org.

About Sibelco

Sibelco is a global leader in material solutions. Sibelco mines, processes and sells specialty industrial minerals – particularly high purity quartz, silica, clays, feldspathics and olivine – and is a leader in glass recycling. Sibelco’s solutions support the progress of modern life and serve industries as diverse as glass, ceramics, construction, coatings, polymers and water purification. The Sibelco Group has production facilities in more than 30 countries and a team of some 5,000 people. Learn more at www.sibelco.com.