Tracking Development - Rio Tinto - Qit Madagascar Minerals

executive summary
Recognising the shortcomings of local educational facilities,
QMM has funded the construction and rehabilitation of public
schools in its neighbour communities. Offering scholarships
and financing literacy programmes, many who never had the
possibility to attend or complete school are being given a
chance. To build people’s capacity so everyone has an equal
opportunity to be involved in the project, a first-of-its-kind
vocational and technical training centre was opened in
2007. For students who wish to apply their studies through
practical training, an apprenticeship programme commenced
at Mandena in 2010. QMM invests in its employees and
numerous technical and leadership trainings have taken place
internally and externally, within the region, across Madagascar
and abroad. (See The Production Phase, Encouraging
Educational Opportunities, p. 38-41.)
Economic development, through the recruitment of local
personnel, the construction of new infrastructure or the local
procurement of goods and services, is essential for the Anosy
region. QMM has adopted a hiring process intended to grant
preference to local applicants. Over 90 per cent of current
employees are Malagasy. In 2011, of the 652 total direct
hires, 70 per cent were recruited from the region. For those
who do not have a particular skill set or qualification, HIMO
projects (Haute Intensité de Main d’Oeuvre or High Intensity
Labour Projects) are being carried out, generating hundreds
of jobs. To enable local businesses to continually develop
technical and managerial skills, QMM participates in various
support and capacity building sessions. As one of the primary
obstacles to local participation in economic opportunities
was the absence of microfinance, in 2007 the region’s first
microfinance institution was established. In April 2010, QMM
transferred its original 50 shares from the institution to three
farmers’ associations for future development. Infrastructure,
most notably the Port of Ehoala, but also roads, electricity and
a potable water treatment plant, have been constructed and
are operational. Access to this infrastructure is shared with
the public. Situated as the principal structure for economic
development in the region, Madagascar’s second largest
port, the Port of Ehoala, offers opportunities for agricultural
production and business development, while acting as a
catalyst for investment in the region and country as a whole.
(See The Production Phase, Maximising the Economic
Impact, p. 42-45.)
Sustainable development is a cornerstone of QMM’s
approach to business. The company is committed to
supporting activities that contribute to more prosperous
communities. To improve local living standards and enhance
livelihoods, QMM launched two flagship programmes
with annual budgets totalling over US$1.5 million.
The Programme de Développement Intégré (PDI, or
Integrated Development Programme), managed jointly
with government representatives, promotes incomegenerating
activities, alleviating pressure on natural resources
and improving income-levels of the population residing
around mining and mining-related activities. Over 2,000
participants across 33 villages in the rural communities
bordering Mandena are currently involved in 17 projects
including animal husbandry, vegetable cultivation, fisheries
and handicraft production. The Fagneva programme, a fiveyear
community plan with interventions in Fort Dauphin
and its immediate surroundings, was launched in 2010.
This collaborative effort with government representatives,
community representatives, the private sector, NGOs
(non-governmental organisations) and QMM includes six
projects targeting governance, sports and culture, education,
security, sanitation and economic development. (See The
Production Phase, Ensuring Sustainable Development,
p. 46-53.)
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