Ensuring Responsible Operations at Covia

Covia prioritizes responsibility and sustainability in our operations, focusing on environmental and social impacts. “Being a Good Neighbor” has long been a guiding principle at Covia, and, as an outcome of our updated materiality assessment that was completed in 2023, we are introducing Responsible Operations as a new material topic. This is a topic with broad reach and significant impact, and we bring it to life by operating with an unwavering commitment to minimizing environmental impact, fostering community relationships, and proactively addressing challenges. This is What Inspires Us. Our Responsible Operations commitment is integrated into our strategic decision-making, daily operations, collaboration with Team Members and stakeholders, relationships with value chain partners, and engagement with government officials, community leaders, and our neighbors. We are focused on continuous improvement to reduce air emissions, noise, dust, waste, truck traffic, and any other potential negative effects on the communities in which we operate. Team Members at various levels of our organization have clearly defined responsibility for oversight of these issues and our actions.

‘Being a Good Neighbor’ in Action

Every Covia facility is expected to follow our “Being a Good Neighbor” commitment. This philosophy has been with us, and our predecessor companies, for over 100 years. Three facilities’ exemplary efforts are profiled below.

• Tunnel City: Designing for Responsible Operations When our Tunnel City, Wisconsin, facility opened in 2013, it was planned and developed with a focus on the community. The site was set up to rely only on rail transportation for all finished goods, which has limited emissions, noise, and congestion from truck traffic. The facility was also built below grade, promoting operational efficiency and minimizing the visual impacts of our operations on the surrounding community. A formal semiannual check-in with the community leaders also ensures ongoing dialogue and partnership.
• NSO: Championing Noise Prevention Measures Because of our proximity to the surrounding community, our NSO operation in Ontario, Canada, has implemented several key initiatives to reduce noise levels over the years. Among these efforts is the installation of equipment silencers to dampen the noise produced by heavy machinery. The site also responded to community feedback by changing the backup alarms on its equipment, creating sound that does not travel as far but still adequately signals our Team Members. Additionally, NSO has adjusted its operational practices by reducing rock-breaking hours on weekends and has reduced operating hours on long holiday weekends.
• Chardon: Exemplary Dust Management Practices In 2023, Covia’s Chardon, Ohio, facility implemented multiple dust management initiatives that reduce dust exposure for Team Members and mitigate nuisance dust for the community. We employ best-in-class methods such as vacuuming and hosing, and we use dust collection devices in key operational areas such as the screen house, rotary area, and bulk bagging sections.

Click to learn more about Covia’s all-in approach to Responsible Operations.