Tracking Development - Rio Tinto - Qit Madagascar Minerals

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The Production Phase The exploration Phase Regional Planning “The aim has been to develop a project that will meet high environmental and social standards and to maintain the same high standards throughout the life of the project 8 .” Background of the project 1950’s: 1986: 1990-1992: 1998: 2001: 2003-2005: 2005: The existence of mineralised sand deposits in south-eastern Madagascar is confirmed. Geological prospecting is initiated by Rio Tinto, focusing on Mandena, Sainte Luce and Petriky zones. Independent baseline social and environmental studies are commissioned. The Framework Agreement, ratified and enacted by the National Assembly of Madagascar, establishes the legal and fiscal framework of the project and defines the rights and obligations of the government and QMM, specifically regarding the Social and Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA). The SEIA is submitted to the Government of Madagascar. Six months later, the environmental permit is granted to QMM. Feasibility reports are carried out to determine whether the context fosters a compatible investment climate. The decision to invest US$585 million in the construction of the mine, port and roads, with an expected lifespan of 50 years, is made by Rio Tinto. 18
The exploration & study Phase Public Consultations To plan and develop the project, QMM took significant steps to learn from public dialogue. Public consultations were carried out with the local population, regional and national authorities, environmental non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and international development agencies. Such efforts were aimed at gathering essential knowledge and building constituency through a transparent and open process. The consultations were also an opportunity to explain the project through direct discourse at the village level and to clarify the changes to come. This was a daunting challenge, as people had no reference point to comprehend the transformation the mine would produce. Independent baseline social and environmental studies were carried out between 1990 and 1992. Interested and affected parties were extensively consulted at the local, regional and national level before the Social and Environmental Impact Public consultations were carried out extensively at the local level, with over 120 villages included in the process (Picture from 2000). Assessment (SEIA) study programme was initiated in 1998. Throughout the process, particular attention was given to populations presumed to be most impacted by the project. To prepare an inclusive and fully informed SEIA and define its terms of reference, which was submitted to the Government of Madagascar for acquisition of an environmental permit for Mandena, views, opinions and knowledge of the local population was gathered. The public consultations were a mechanism for permanent and open dialogue; a means to build trust and foster mutual respect, allowing involvement of all parties in the planning process. Conforming to social organisational structures common to Madagascar and allowing residents to express their views outside of formal public meetings, QMM ensured close proximity with interested populations within their environments, often eating, drinking and living in the villages. Question and answer sessions, in which communities could discuss their concerns, fears, expectations and hopes, were an integral element of the consultations. All individuals, women alike, were able to voice their opinions. Information obtained from the sessions was documented by staff working on the project and validated back to the community. Over 120 villages were included in the process, carried out in two rounds, through hundreds of hours of extensive fieldwork. A governmental entity, Le Commissariat Général pour le Développement Intégré du Sud (CGDIS), was established to lead the planning process in the region. Roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders, partners and QMM were noted and clarified. Obligations and commitments were established and clearly defined. Potential impacts, both positive and negative, were identified and explained and all stakeholders became involved in mitigation and maximisation measures. 19
Page 1: Tracking Development A collection o
Page 4 and 5: Executive summary..................
Page 6 and 7: The Production Phase executive summ
Page 8 and 9: executive summary Recognising the s
Page 10 and 11: The Production Phase introduction T
Page 12 and 13: The exploration Phase Rice is Madag
Page 14 and 15: The Production Phase a unique conte
Page 16 and 17: The Production Phase The Anosy Regi
Page 20 and 21: The exploration & study Phase The c
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Page 24 and 25: The exploration Phase Logistics was
Page 26 and 27: The Production Phase managing the i
Page 28 and 29: The construction Phase Anticipating
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Page 32 and 33: 32 Motorised pirogues allow fisherm
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Page 38 and 39: The Production Phase encouraging ed
Page 40 and 41: The Production Phase The programmes
Page 42 and 43: The Production Phase maximising the
Page 44 and 45: The Production Phase of Ehoala, Mad
Page 46 and 47: The Production Phase ensuring susta
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Page 50 and 51: The Production Phase A Piggery Eigh
Page 52 and 53: The Production Phase “You give us
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Page 58 and 59: The Production Phase fostering good
Page 60 and 61: The Production Phase Groundtruthing
Page 62 and 63: The future Long-term sustainability
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Page 66 and 67: the future the next mining zones Sa
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The Production Phase conclusion It
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SOURCES 1. CIA Factbook “madagasc
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QIT Madagascar Minerals bp 4003 101
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Tracking Development - Rio Tinto - Qit Madagascar Minerals

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