Sustainability is a key component of everything we do at Vau & Co. We put ambitious plans into action to guarantee our company’s long-term social, environmental, and financial viability. We are dedicated to safe, ethical sourcing and processing that benefits all of our stakeholders, including our customers, employees, communities, and shareholders, as we work together to speed up the transition to green energy.
As we move forward, we are presented with a distinct opportunity to integrate Environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) principles into the very core of our company and operations. ESG is not just a trend for us, it is a fundamental part of our identity. It is ingrained in our DNA and will guide our decisions and actions as we strive to create a sustainable and responsible business model.
Our approach to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles acknowledges the need to manage the substantial short, medium, and long-term economic, environmental, and social impacts of our flagship Yagba Kogi Lithium Project. We are committed to balancing these impacts to create a positive and measurable influence for our host communities, the Yagba East and Yagba West LGAs in Kogi State Nigeria, and Nigeria as a whole. Our goal is to establish a world-class ESG framework at this stage of Kogi project’s development, driven not only by the increasing demand from global investors and the market, but also by our values and strong commitment to doing what is right for all stakeholders. By incorporating the right approach from the outset, we are positioning ourselves well for the future.
Environmental Responsibility
Yonghuang’s waste recycling, pairs with PowerChina’s eco-conscious engineering—proven at Zungeru with responsible water and land management- to minimize our footprint. In Kogi, we rehabilitate mined areas, and our future Lithium Carbonate Refinery will recycle 80% of process water and cut CO₂ emissions by 20%, aligning with Nigerian government conservation goals and setting a sustainable benchmark for Africa.
Community Development
Supported by Federal and Kogi State Governments, we create jobs and infrastructure in Yagba LGAs. PowerChina’s Zungeru legacy—employing over 1,000 Nigerians—guides our training programs, with the Lithium Carbonate Refinery adding 500 youth training slots in refining tech by 2026, boosting local economies alongside Ausconnect’s investment ethos.
Health & Safety
Yonghuang’s safety protocols, refined over 11 years at Zungeru, ensure a secure workplace in Kogi across mining, processing, and future refining. Combined with Yonghuang’s quality standards, we prioritize employee and community well-being with rigorous training and health initiatives.
Economic Contributions
Yonghuang’s reliable execution supports hundreds of jobs now, with the Lithium Carbonate Refinery adding USD 200M in export revenue by 2027 and attracting USD 50M in annual FDI. Backed by government endorsement, our projects—rooted in PowerChina’s Zungeru success—empower Nigeria’s lithium sector and renewable energy goals.