Tracking Development - Rio Tinto - Qit Madagascar Minerals

The exploration & study Phase
The consultations enriched the SEIA study programme and
the project development process. Traditional and practical
knowledge impacted decisions and provided solutions during
planning. Major components of the project were modified
and redesigned due to information gathered during the
consultations. For example, the originally envisaged location of
the Port of Ehoala and haul roads were revised. Other design
changes addressed many of the social and environmental
concerns and enabled the project to become more
compatible with the economic development aspirations of the
region. National and international specialists were consulted
concerning social and environmental aspects, with many
NGOs included throughout the process.
Expectations of the local population
The population’s concerns, fears, expectations and hopes
predominated the local consultations. Some expectations
fell under QMM’s responsibility, while others were
the responsibility of the government. For this reason,
government officials collaborated with QMM throughout
the process. When concerns were expressed, they were
noted and addressed by the respective parties.
The biggest challenge during the consultation process,
which is ongoing, was to establish realistic expectations
and to manage them effectively. No roadmap existed on
how to achieve this under the social conditions prevailing
in Anosy.
The local population was primarily concerned with
recruitment. The promise of jobs and the economic
benefits QMM would bring to the region was widely
acknowledged and well received. Whenever possible,
residents requested QMM hire locally before recruiting
outside of the region. QMM made repeated efforts to
communicate a relatively small number of permanent
jobs would be created (eg after the construction phase).
In spite of these efforts, expectations have proved
difficult to manage.
The public consultations allowed all individuals to voice their
opinions and participate in public dialogue (Picture from 2000).
The improvement of health and educational resources,
as well as infrastructure, most notably roads for opening
up the region and generating opportunities for future
growth, were also commonly voiced.
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