SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

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Social Responsibility is one of UME's core values and is deeply rooted in the way we operate and do business. As a company we make significant contributions to the social fabric and quality of life of the local communities in which we mine and operate.

UME has made a commitment to helping underprivileged community members by cooperating with local public and private social welfare institutions to support social welfare programs.

Those who benefit from our programs include:

Local area schools
Social organizations
Local families
Company employees
Hospitals
Sport Clubs
NGOs

UME has established a Donation Committee, with the participation of key local community representatives, to oversee and facilitate the distribution of annual donations.

Support to the community is provided through:

Funding for housing and infrastructure
Donation of products and services
Volunteer services
Support of sports
Job placement programs for young people
Promotion of cultural exchange with other countries

UME also drilled water supply wells and has allocated funds to ensure rural primary care stations are stocked and supplied.

The local Hospital, Nursing Home, police stations and social clubs and Merendero (free afternoon snacks for underprivileged children), as well as other regional institutions such as the Tacuarembó Hospital and the Peluffo Giguens Foundation (special care to cancer patients), have all received assistance and support as part of UME's community outreach programs.

Commercial Education: In 2005, UME established a strategic alliance with DESEM Junior Achievement to encourage commercial education for young students. UME provides funds and professionally qualified staff to assist with special development programs.

Arbor Month: The Company's environmental department maintains a close relationship with educational institutions in the area. Every November, events surrounding Arbor Month take place when UME staff and local students plant trees on the mine site and in Minas de Corrales, and educational workshops on native flora are organized. The 2007 event also included a workshop on tree transplanting, to demonstrate how UME transplanted trees when the Arroyo Corrales stream was diverted. UME also donated trees to participating schools as part of Arbor Month.

Gold Expo: The Company also holds a biannual 2-day gold fair at the San Gregorio mine, the "Gold Expo", which provides an opportunity to visit mine operations. Throughout these two days, suppliers' exhibits showcase the full range of products and materials used in UME's operations. A funfair area is available for children, and guided bus tours allow visitors to view the operating open pit, process plant and other installations. The public is also given an opportunity to closely inspect various types of mobile mining equipment.

Local Activities: UME also participates directly and indirectly in local activities, such as the annual Gold Festival and different national holiday celebrations organized by the Minas de Corrales Patriotic Commission.

Regional Activities: UME contributes to regional activities, such as the Gaucho Culture Festival, a traditional agriculture show in Tacuarembó, and the Rivera Week, a trade fair in Rivera, the provincial capital city on the Brazilian border.