Mongbwalu Project Environmental Impact Study ... - SRK Consulting

Mongbwalu Project 

Environmental Impact Study and 

Management Plan of the Project 

Draft Scoping and Terms of 

Reference Report for Public 

Disclosure 

Report Prepared for 

Ashanti Goldfields Kilo S.A.R.L. 

Report Number 414878/TOR 

September 2010 

Report Prepared by 

SRK Consulting (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd. in association with SRK Consulting Congo S.P.R.L.

SRK Consulting 

Mongbwalu EIS – Draft TOR for Public Disclosure Page i 


Environmental Impact Study and Management 

Plan of the Project 

Draft Scoping and Terms of Reference Report 

For Public Disclosure 

Ashanti Goldfields Kilo S.A.R.L. 

SRK Consulting (South Africa) 

(Pty) Ltd. 

Address SRK House 

265 Oxford Road, Illovo, 

Johannesburg 2196 

P O Box 55291, Northlands 2116 

SRK Consulting CONGO 

S.P.R.L. 

SRK House 

2056, Lukonzolwa, Q/Golf, 

C/Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic 

ofCongo 

Telephone +27 (0) 11 441 1111 +243 (81) 870 1753 

Fax +27 (0) 11 880 8086 +243 (81) 999 9775 

Contact name Margaret Beater Susa Maleba 

Email mbeater@srk.co.za smaleba@srk.co.za 

Website www.srk.co.za 

SRK Project Number 414878/TOR 


Authors 

Margaret Beater (MSc (Environmental Science)) 

Donald Gibson (MSc (Conservation Biology); PrSciNat) 

Tandi Reilly (MA (Sociology)) 

Tim Hart (MA (Human Geography)) 

Vuyo Matshikiza (BCommHons (Economics)) 

Reviewed by 

Allison Burger (BAHons (Environmental and Geographical Science); CEAPSA) 

Dr Henrietta Salter (EngD (Environmental Technology); PrSciNat) 

GIBS/BEAT G:\414878_ AGA ESHIA EAP\7REPORTS\Terms of Reference\Draft for Public Disclosure\Final draft\Draft Terms of Reference Report (September 2010).docx September 2010


Mongbwalu EIS – Draft TOR for Public Disclosure Page ii 

Table of Contents 

Executive Summary ..................................................................................................................... v 

Acronyms and abbreviations ....................................................................................................... xi 

1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 12 

1.1 Purpose of this report ........................................................................................................ 12 

1.2 Project background .............................................................................................................. 2 

1.2.1 Location ................................................................................................................................ 2 

1.2.2 Environmental setting ........................................................................................................... 2 

1.2.3 History .................................................................................................................................. 2 

1.2.4 Proposed mining ................................................................................................................... 3 

1.2.5 Current on site environmental and social management ........................................................ 3 

2 Governance framework ................................................................................................. 5 

2.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 5 

2.2 DRC regulatory framework .................................................................................................. 5 

2.2.1 Project mineral and land rights .............................................................................................. 5 

2.2.2 Constitution ........................................................................................................................... 6 

2.2.3 National Environmental Action Plan ...................................................................................... 6 

2.2.4 Mining Code (Law No 007/2002) .......................................................................................... 6 

2.2.5 Mining Regulations ............................................................................................................... 7 

2.2.6 Environmental permits and licences ...................................................................................... 7 

2.2.7 Proposed Framework Law on the Environment .................................................................... 8 

2.2.8 Other environmental legislation ............................................................................................. 8 

2.2.9 Roles and responsibilities ..................................................................................................... 9 

2.2.10 International agreements and conventions ......................................................................... 10 

2.3 AngloGold Ashanti policy and standards ........................................................................... 11 

2.3.1 AGA Vision, Values and Mission ......................................................................................... 11 

2.3.2 AGA standards ................................................................................................................... 11 

2.4 Equator Principles .............................................................................................................. 12 

2.5 IFC’s Performance Standards ........................................................................................... 12 

2.6 IFC tools ............................................................................................................................ 13 

2.6.1 World Bank Environment, Health and Safety Guidelines .................................................... 13 

2.6.2 General EHS guidelines ...................................................................................................... 14 

2.6.3 Industry Sector Guidelines .................................................................................................. 14 

2.7 International Council on Mining and Metals ....................................................................... 14 

2.7.1 Sustainable development principles .................................................................................... 14 

2.7.2 Good practice guidelines and toolkits .................................................................................. 15 

2.8 International Cyanide Management Code ......................................................................... 16 

2.9 Other benchmarks, guidelines and reference materials .................................................... 16 

2.9.1 Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights ........................................................... 16 



Mongbwalu EIS – Draft TOR for Public Disclosure Page iii 

2.9.2 Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative ....................................................................... 16 

2.9.3 Standards for Artisanal and Small Scale Mining ................................................................. 16 

3 Objectives, approach and process ............................................................................. 17 

3.1 Objectives .......................................................................................................................... 17 

3.2 Information gathering ......................................................................................................... 17 

3.3 Public consultation and disclosure ..................................................................................... 18 

3.3.1 Stakeholder identification .................................................................................................... 18 

3.3.2 Background information document...................................................................................... 19 

3.3.3 Presentation material and posters....................................................................................... 19 

3.3.4 Public information-sharing and issues gathering meetings ................................................. 19 

3.3.5 Response boxes ................................................................................................................. 20 

3.3.6 Authority consultation .......................................................................................................... 20 

3.3.7 Site visit by Ministry of Environment and environmental specialists .................................... 20 

3.3.8 Scoping feedback to stakeholders ...................................................................................... 21 

4 Project description ....................................................................................................... 22 

4.1 Project details .................................................................................................................... 22 

4.2 Engineering integration ...................................................................................................... 27 

4.2.1 Environmental and social design criteria ............................................................................. 27 

4.2.2 Alternatives ......................................................................................................................... 28 

5 Key issues raised by stakeholders ............................................................................ 38 

6 Anticipated environmental and social issues ........................................................... 42 

7 Approach to impact assessment ................................................................................ 48 

7.1 Process and timeline ......................................................................................................... 48 

7.2 Alternatives analysis .......................................................................................................... 49 

7.3 Specialist studies and team ............................................................................................... 49 

7.4 Impact assessment method ............................................................................................... 50 

7.5 Public consultation and disclosure ..................................................................................... 53 

7.5.1 Continued stakeholder identification and incorporation of comments .................................. 53 

7.5.2 Grievance mechanism ........................................................................................................ 53 

7.5.3 Public consultation and disclosure ...................................................................................... 54 

7.5.4 Document review ................................................................................................................ 54 

7.6 EIS and EMPP report structure and contents .................................................................... 54 

7.7 Core team .......................................................................................................................... 56 

8 Conclusions .................................................................................................................. 57 

9 References .................................................................................................................... 58 

Appendices ......................................................................................................................... 59 

Appendix A: Stakeholder Database ........................................................................................... 59 

Appendix B: Background Information Document and Notification ............................................. 60 

Appendix C: Presentation Material used for Stakeholder Consultation ..................................... 61 



Mongbwalu EIS – Draft TOR for Public Disclosure Page iv 

Appendix D: Minutes of Information Sharing Meetings .............................................................. 62 

Appendix E: Response Sheets .................................................................................................. 63 

Appendix F: Specialists’ Terms of Reference ............................................................................ 64 

List of Tables 

Table 2-1: Key DRC environmental legislation for the Mongbwalu project ........................................ 9 

Table 2-2: Key international agreements ......................................................................................... 10 

Table 3-1: Details of information sharing and issues gathering meetings ....................................... 19 

Table 4-1: Project details ................................................................................................................. 22 

Table 4-2: Alternatives for identified so far ...................................................................................... 28 

Table 4-3: Current state of environment .......................................................................................... 32 

Table 5-1: Summary of issues and concerns raised during public consultation and disclosure and 

social studies .................................................................................................................. 39 

Table 6-1: Summary of potential aspects and issues associated with the Mongbwalu project 

including specialist investigations and management plans ............................................ 43 

Table 7-1: Details of specialist team leaders ................................................................................... 49 

Table 7-2: Key elements in the evaluation of impact significance ................................................... 51 

Table 7-3: Characteristics used to describe impacts and impact consequence .............................. 51 

Table 7-4: Method for rating the significance of impacts ................................................................. 52 

Table 7-5: Details of core team leaders ........................................................................................... 56 

List of Figures 

Figure 1-1: Regional locality map ...................................................................................................... 4 

Figure 4-1: Conceptual project infrastructure layout ........................................................................ 26 

Figure 4-2: Alternatives for project infrastructure location ............................................................... 31 

Figure 7-1: Environmental impact study process and schedule ...................................................... 48 



Mongbwalu EIS – Draft TOR for Public Disclosure Page v 

Executive Summary 

Ashanti Goldfields Kilo (AGK) is undertaking a feasibility study for the Mongbwalu project located near to 

Mongbwalu Town in the Ituri District of north-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). AGK holds 

mining permits for a 5,487 km 2 area (the Kilo Regional Exploration area) within the formerly known 

Concession 40. DRC legislation, notably the Code Minier and associated Mining Regulations, requires AGK 

to undertake an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) and compile an Environmental Management Plan of the 

Project (EMPP). AGK appointed SRK Consulting, a registered environmental consultancy with the DRC 

government, as the independent environmental practitioner to lead the environmental and social studies. 

Purpose of this report 

This report documents the outcomes of the scoping phase of the EIS for the Mongbwalu project. While DRC 

legislation does not specifically require compilation of this report, it follows standard environmental process 

and is intended to provide information to project stakeholders and obtain their comments on the proposed 

scope and nature of the environmental studies. This report will assist in developing a rigorous EIS and EMPP 

and provide guidance in developing management plans for the proposed project. This report is therefore 

publicly available for review, and will be presented to the DRC regulatory authorities for comment and 

discussion. 

The project 

The project involves underground mining and processing of ore to produce unrefined gold in an area that has 

been degraded by a long history of mining. The feasibility study is focusing initially on a five-year 

production life, and the potential exists to extend the life thereafter. Additional feasibility studies will 

therefore be required for longer term mining. The mine will involve an underground decline, a processing 

plant including offices, workshops and storage facilities, a tailings storage facility, a waste rock dump, 

workders’ accommodation facilities, water and energy supply, staging hub in Bunia, on site access roads and 

a helicopter landing pad. AGK has committed the project to being governed by DRC legal requirements and 

Anglogold Ashanti Standards, and to aligning with international standards. 

Public consultation and key issues raised by stakeholders 

SRK led a first round of public consultation and disclosure with stakeholders in May and June 2010. Twelve 

community and focus group meetings were held with the following stakeholder groups: 

• local government; 

• the Mongbwalu Stakeholder Forum; 

• traditional leaders; 

• local non-government and community based organisations; 

• directly affected communities in Nzebi village and Mongbwalu Town; 

• AGK workers; 



Mongbwalu EIS – Draft TOR for Public Disclosure Page vi 

• Le Cadre de Concertation (CDC) associated non-government organisations (NGOs), regional 

government, United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the 

Congo (MONUSCO) and other regional NGOs; and 

• Office des Mines d'Or de Kilo-Moto (OKIMO). 

In addition, issues were also raised during the 32 focus group interviews and several key informant 

interviews held in July/August 2010 as part of the social studies. Issues raised included those related to the 

proposed mine, as well as AGK’s current exploration activities. Common issues and concerns included: 

Key issues raised by stakeholders 

• potential pollution of water and air; 

• the potential for resettlement and displacement, particularly of 

artisanal miners; 

• grievances about existing impacts from exploration activities and 

associated compensation; 

• the need for community engagement and relationship building; 

• the need for infrastructure and social development; 

• disclosure of details of AGK’s concession contract with government; 

• payments for ex-KIMIN and OKIMO employees; 

• ensuring SRK’s independence in the EIS process; 

• preference for underground mining rather than open pit; 

• liabilities related to historical mining activity; and 

• the need to protect cultural heritage sites such as sacred trees. 

As this EIS focuses on the potential impacts of the proposed mine, and not on current activities, several of 

the above issues fall outside the direct scope of the EIS. AGK will therefore need to manage these issues 

through the development and implementation of a more formal social and environmental management 

system and through focussed stakeholder engagement activities. Those issues that fall within the EIS, have 

been incorporated into the EIS scope and specialists will be conducting studies to further investigate the 

issues. 

The scoping phase identified the existence of indigenous peoples (the Mbuti people) in the immediate project 

area. They were previously thought to have been located outside of the project area and are now therefore a 

directly affected stakeholder group. While Mbuti members attended the Nzebi community meeting, future 

consultation will require a focussed strategy. The consultation strategy will be guided by international 

guidelines on indigenous peoples (such as the International Finance Corporation Performance Standard 7) to 

ensure that it is carried out in a culturally appropriate way that ensures free, prior and informed participation. 

A specialist study on indigenous peoples will also be carried out. 



Mongbwalu EIS – Draft TOR for Public Disclosure Page vii 

Anticipated environmental and social issues 

Potential issues identified during screening and scoping associated with the project and that will be 

invesitagted further in the EIS are summarised in the table below. 

Aspect group Aspect Potential issue 

Land transformation • Surface disturbance and 

clearing 

• Topographic change 

• Rehabilitation 

Energy consumption • Diesel consumption 

• Hydropower 

Water use • Abstraction of 

ground/surface water 

• Dewatering of the mine 

workings 

• Storage 

Releases to water • Point sources 

• Seepage 

• Runoff 

Releases to air • Vehicle emissions 

• Stack emissions 

• Fugitive dust 

• Generator emissions 

Physical displacement of local communities 

Economic displacement – loss of livelihoods for artisanal 

miners 

Loss of livelihoods and ecosystem services for indigenous 

peoples and others 

Loss of biodiversity and/or ecological function through 

deforestation and wetland conversion 

Disturbance of sites of archaeological, historic or cultural 

interest including grave sites 

Conflict arising from displacement and increased 

competition for natural resources 

Diversion of surface water drainage 

Loss of agriculturally productive land 

Erosion by water and wind 

Hazardous excavations and structures 

Change in visual character 

Improved land condition after rehabilitation and 

management 

Greenhouse gas and particulate emissions 

Improved energy access and security for local communities 

Changes in the hydrological regime due to abstraction and 

consequent effects on other water users including ecological 

requirements 

Reduced availability of water to other water users due to 

dewatering of the mine workings 

Deterioration of water quality and impairment of aquatic 

ecosystems 

Acid rock drainage, heavy metals and cyanide 

Exposure to polluted water in dirty water holding facilities 

Loss of land capability and biodiversity through 

contamination 

Nuisance dust 

Health impacts associated with deterioration in air quality – 

dust, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrous oxides (NOx), cyanide, 

carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) and other 

particulates 

Cyanide release from processing plant and in tailings 

material 

Transboundary impacts – acid precipitation (SO2 and NOx) 

and climate change (CO2 and NOx) 

Impacts on biodiversity arising from dust fall out 

Reduced visibility resulting from particulate and dust 

emissions 



Mongbwalu EIS – Draft TOR for Public Disclosure Page viii 


Other releases • Equipment noise 

Waste production (other 

than tailings and waste 

rock) 

• Blasting noise 

• Odour 

• Fly rock 

• Vibration 

• Light 

• Domestic 

• Construction 

• Hazardous 

• Industrial 

• Electronic 

Incidents • Slope failure through 

geological instability 

• Explosion or fire 

• Spills 

• Vehicle accidents 

• Off site activity (vehicles 

travelling off road, 

hunting) 

• Structural collapse of 

underground workings 

• Flooding 

• Exposure to hazardous 

substances 

Job creation and 

stimulation of economic 

growth 

Investment in improved well 

being of people 

Aspects with negative 

socio-economic 

consequences 

• Employment 

• Training 

• Capital investment 

• Payment of tax & levies 

• Consumable purchases 

• Non-core activity 

outsourcing 

• Development/ 

improvement of 

infrastructure 

• Service provision 

• Population influx 

• Disturbance of lifestyle 

and livelihood activities 

• Vehicles and transport 

Disturbing noise 

Damage to structures by air blast and ground vibrations 

Exposure to fly rock from blasting 

Waste management 

Contamination of soil and/or water 

Pests and problem animals 

Slope failure at the tailings storage facility and return water 

dam 

Slope failure at rock dump or ore stockpiles 

Explosion or fire 

Spills of reagents, petrochemicals or other chemicals 

Vehicle accidents/ road hazards 

Disturbance of plant and animals habitats and populations 

by off-road activity 

Safety of workers and land users associated with 

underground mining 

Job creation 

Skills acquisition 

Revenue generation (improved economy) 

Multiplier effects (improved economy) 

Government income 

Sustainable economic development 

Improved infrastructure and services (water, electricity, 

transport routes, administration, housing, health care, 

sewage and waste management) 

Social ills (crime, alcohol abuse, prostitution) 

Pressure on existing resources, infrastructure and services 

Health deterioration resulting from an increased risk of 

exposure to disease e.g. HIV/AIDS 

Deterioration in health and/ or well being due to disturbance 

of livelihood activities 

Marginalisation of indigenous peoples 

Conflict and human rights particularly related to artisanal 

miners or economic displacement 

Biodiversity loss through bushmeat trade and deforestation 

Community safety along roads 



Mongbwalu EIS – Draft TOR for Public Disclosure Page ix 


Closure • Retrenchment 

Specialist investigations 

• Closure of the mine 

Job loss and unemployment 

Retraining and skills development 

Crash in the economy (locally and possibly regionally) due 

to forced or premature closure 

Closure liability and rehabilitation planning 

The following specialist investigations are planned in response to the issues identified during this scoping 

process: 

• climate and air quality; 

• surface and groundwater; 

• soils and land capability; 

• terrestrial and aquatic ecology; 

• socio-economics; 

• cultural heritage and archaeology; 

• health (being conducted by Newfields for AGK); 

• noise; 

• visual aesthetics; 

• transport; and 

• blasting and vibrations. 

Several additional social studies are being carried out by Synergy Global Consulting for AGK to address 

potentially complex social issues in the overall Mining Permit area (the Kilo Regional Exploration area). 

These include: 

• indigenous peoples; 

• artisanal and small-scale mining; 

• resettlement; 

• conflict and human rights; and 

• regional economy. 

Although these are being conducted for the Kilo Regional Exploration area as a whole, they include 

components focussed on this project and will be incorporated into EIS and EMPP documentation. It should 

be noted that most of the abovementioned studies are already in progress due to the requirements for longterm, 

seasonal baseline data, and the time required for detailed baseline surveys to be conducted. 



Mongbwalu EIS – Draft TOR for Public Disclosure Page x 

Impact assessment, management planning and further public consultation 

It is evident from currently available project information and the complex history of the area, that the 

potential exists for impacts associated with the project to be significant. A thorough assessment using a 

rigorous methodology during the impact assessment phase is therefore required. In addition, SRK believes 

that a key aspect of the environmental and social studies proposed is to devise appropriate management plans 

as part of the EMPP, that assist AGK in avoiding and mitigating negative impacts and enhancing positive 

ones. This report outlines a structure for the EIS and EMPP that considers this aspect carefully. 

The scoping process, and in particular the public consultation component, has highlighted the importance of 

the need for community engagement and relationship building during the EIS, but importantly throughout 

the life of mine. It is important for project success that local communities in particular, and other stakeholder 

groups are engaged regularly and are provided with the opportunity to influence the EIS design and findings, 

and AGK’s management approach. Additional stakeholder groups such as conservation interest groups, and 

importantly national and regional government will form key parts of the continuing consultation programme 

in the EIS. A stakeholder engagement plan will be presented as part of the EMPP. Four rounds of 

consultation with stakeholders will be held in future to disseminate findings of specialist investigations and 

government decision making. 



Mongbwalu EIS – Draft TOR for Public Disclosure Page xi 

Acronyms and abbreviations 

AGA AngloGold Ashanti Limited 

AGK Ashanti Goldfields Kilo S.A.R.L. 

ASM Artisanal and Small-Scale mining 

BID Background Information Document 

CDC Le Cadre de Concertation 

CIL Carbon-in-leach 

DPEM Directorate Responsible for the Protection of the Mining Environment 

DRC Democratic Republic of Congo 

EHS Environment, Health and Safety 

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment 

EIS Environmental Impact Study 

EITI Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative 

EMPP Environmental Management Plan of the Project 

EP Equator Principles 

EPFI Equator Principles Financial Institution 

GIIP Good international industry practice 

ICMM International Council on Mining and Metals 

IFC International Finance Corporation 

ILR In-line leach reactor 

IP Indigenous people 

KIMIN Kilo-Moto Mining International 

MRP Mitigation and Rehabilitation Plan 

NGO Non-Governmental Organisation 

OKIMO Office des Mines d’Or de Kilo-Moto 

PS Performance Standard 

ROM Run-of-Mine 

SD Sustainable Development 

SOKIMO Société des Mines d'Or de Kilo-Moto 

SRK SRK Consulting 

TOR Terms of Reference 

TSF Tailings Storage Facility 



414878 

Partners AN Birtles, JCJ Boshoff, AH Bracken, MJ Braune, JM Brown, CD Dalgliesh, JR Dixon, DM Duthe, R Gardiner, T Hart, MJ Hood, 

GC Howell. WC Joughin, PR Labrum, DJ Mahlangu, RRW McNeill, HAC Meintjes, MJ Morris, WA Naismith, GP Nel, VS Reddy, 

PN Rosewarne, PE Schmidt, PJ Shepherd, VM Simposya, AA Smithen, KM Uderstadt, DJ Venter, ML Wertz, A Wood 

Directors AJ Barrett, JR Dixon, DM Duthe, MJ Hood, DJ Mahlangu, VS Reddy, PE Schmidt, PJ Terbrugge 


265 Oxford Road, Illovo 


P O Box 55291 

Northlands 2116 

South Africa 

Mongbwalu Environmental Impact Study – Draft Scoping and Terms of Reference Report 

1 Introduction 

Associate 

Partners 

BM Engelsman, DJD Gibson, M Hinsch, DA Kilian, SA McDonald, M Ristic, MJ Sim, JJ Slabbert, CF Steyn, D Visser, 

MD Wanless 

Consultants AC Burger, BSc (Hons); IS Cameron-Clarke, PrSci Nat, MSc; JAC Cowan, PrSci Nat, BSc (Hons), JH de Beer, PrSci Nat, 

MSc; GA Jones, PrEng, PhD; TR Stacey, PrEng, DSc; OKH Steffen, PrEng, PhD; PJ Terbrugge, PrSci Nat, MSc; DW Warwick, 

PrSci Nat, BSc (Hons) 

SRK Consulting (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd 

Reg No 1995.012890.07 

e-Mail: johannesburg@srk.co.za 

URL: http://www.srk.co.za 

Tel: +27 (0) 11 441 1111 

Fax:+27 (0) 11 880 8086 

Ashanti Goldfields Kilo S.A.R.L. (AGK) is undertaking gold exploration in the Ituri District of 

Orientale Province in north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). AGK holds mining 

permits for a 5,487 km 2 area (the Kilo Regional Exploration area) within the formerly known 

Concession 40. Exploration has focussed mainly on the Mongbwalu area and AGK has proceeded to 

feasibility phase for the proposed Mongbwalu Mine (refered to henceforth as ‘the project’). AGK is 

a joint venture between AngloGold Ashanti Limited (AGA) and the Office des Mines d’Or de Kilo- 

Moto (OKIMO). 

SRK Consulting (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd. (SRK) in collaboration with SRK Congo S.P.R.L. is 

appointed by AGK to conduct an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) and compile an Environmental 

Management Plan of the Project (EMPP) for the project. An EIS and EMPP are required for 

exploitation permit approvals in terms of Article 69 (e) of the Code Minier. The EIS and EMPP will 

involve the assessment of environmental, social and health impacts and the development of 

management plans for the project. The EIS and EMPP will be submitted to the DRC regulatory 

authority, the Directorate Responsible for Protection of the Mining Environment (DPEM) for 

authorisation in support of the existing exploitation permit. 

1.1 Purpose of this report 

While DRC legislation does not specifically require the compilation of a scoping or terms of 

reference (TOR) report for an EIS, SRK believes that its compilation was necessary in order to: 

• Summarise the findings of the screening and scoping phases of the EIS; 

• Provide stakeholders including regulatory authorities with the latest project and EIS information; 

Cape Town +27 (0) 21 659 3060 

Durban +27 (0) 31 279 1200 

East London +27 (0) 43 748 6292 

Johannesburg +27 (0) 11 441 1111 

Kimberley +27 (0) 53 861 5798 

Pietermaritzburg +27 (0) 33 345 6311 

Port Elizabeth +27 (0) 41 509 4800 

Pretoria +27 (0) 12 361 9821 

Rustenburg +27 (0) 14 594 1280 

Dar-es-Salaam +25 (5) 22 260 1881 

H +263 (4) 49 6182


Mongbwalu EIS – Draft TOR for Public Disclosure Page 2 

• Provide stakeholders with an opportunity to influence the nature and scope of the study by: 

− checking that the relevant issues identified in the first round of public consultation have been 

captured and are being considered in the study 

− reviewing the proposed TOR for the specialist studies 

− reviewing the proposed impact assessment and management planning processes; and 

− reviewing the future public consultation and disclosure programme. 

• Meet the requirements ofArticle 479 of the Mining Regulations – Decree No 038 / 2003 of 26 

March 2003, which require submission of a public consultation plan to DPEM and local 

communities. 

1.2 Project background 

1.2.1 Location 

The project is located near Mongbwalu town in the Ituri District of Orientale Province, north‐eastern 

DRC (see Figure 1-1). Mongbwalu town is located 48 km north-west of Bunia, 500 km north-east of 

Kisangani the Provincial capital, and 320 km south-east of Kampala in neighbouring Uganda. The 

original Concession 40 coverered an area of approximately 10,000 km 2 . In 2004/2005, a total of 

7,443 km 2 was transformed into 19 individual Permis d’Exploitation (mining/exploitation permits). 

AGK holds mining permits for a 5,487 km 2 area (the Kilo Regional Exploration area) within this 

formerly known concession area. The Mongbwalu project area covers approximately 40 km 2 . 

1.2.2 Environmental setting 

The project area falls within the Equatorial/Tropical Rainforest biome, and is located approximately 

30 km to the east of the Ituri-Epulu-Aru Conservation Landscape, a priority landscape area of the 

Congo Basin Forest Partnership. The closest protected area is the Okapi Faunal Reserve 

(approximately 100 km to the east), contained within the aforementioned landscape. The immediate 

environment is substantially deforested and degraded due to past and current mining activities. The 

area is hilly and incised by several watercourses, the most notable of which are the Ituri River, eight 

km to the west of the site, and the Adobi River, 9 km to the south east. Water quality in local 

watercourses is poor and high sediment loads are present. The closest town is Mongbwalu, but nine 

villages and settlements surround the project area. 

1.2.3 History 1 

The project area has experienced a long history of exploration and mining. In the early 1900s, 

successful exploration at Mongbwalu by the Belgians resulted in Société des Mines d'Or de Kilo- 

Moto (SOKIMO) being established. SOKIMO initially mined the area using small scale mining 

methods and local artisanal mining labour, but thereafter exploited the gold on an industrial scale 

(between 1935 and 1940). Several mines were created in the area including Tabaka, Mongbwalu, 

Kilo, Lesi and Lakama. 

The Government took control of SOKIMO after independence in the 1960s and it became OKIMO. 

OKIMO production was high during the 1980s, producing approximately 800 kg gold per month. 

1 

Information provided by the Mayor of Mongbwalu during a protocol meeting; as well as AGA’s website 

(www.anglogold.co.za). 




OKIMO’s productivity thereafter decreased and it applied for external investment from various 

sources such as Auxtel a betton (a French company), the African Bank and the World Bank. OKIMO 

made portions of its concession (Concession 40) available to foreign companies from the 1990s. 

In 1990, OKIMO entered into a joint venture with Mindev & Associates S.A. (Mindev), under which 

a DRC registered corporate entity, Kilo-Moto Mining International (KIMIN), was formed with the 

purpose of mining Concession 40. Ashanti Goldfields purchased half of the stake of KIMIN owned 

by Mindev in April 1996, and in 1998, Ashanti Goldfields acquired the remaining portion. The 

company’s name was changed to AGK. Following the merger of AngloGold and Ashanti in 2004 the 

property became part of the assets of AGA, which currently owns 86.22% of AGK, with OKIMO 

owning the remaining 13.78%. As a result of civil war in the region in 1997, all KIMIN mining 

operations in the Mongbwalu area were stopped and the site was handed over to OKIMO. In 

December 2004, an exploration team was deployed by AGK at Mongbwalu and in January 2005, 

exploration drilling commenced in the Kilo Regional Exploration area. 

1.2.4 Proposed mining 

The project will involve the underground mining of gold around the old Adidi-Kanga mine near 

Mongbwalu town. The ore will be processed on-site to produce unrefined gold. The construction 

phase is planned to begin in mid-2011, with production and operations starting in mid-2013. While 

the current feasibility study focuses on ore production period of only first five-years, further 

feasibility studies and exploration activities will commence in future with the intention of 

developing a larger scale mine. Further details on the project are provided in section 0. 

1.2.5 Current on site environmental and social management 

The project is still in the exploration stage and no formal environmental and social management has 

yet been established on site. The exploration permite has up until March 2010 been held by OKIMO, 

and it is unclear whether a Mitigation and Rehabilitation Plan (MRP) exists for the exploration 

activities. AGK needs to prepare and implement an appropriate MRP that includes, among others, 

compensation and grievance procedures for current exploration activities. 

AGK established a community relations office at Mongbwalu in 2008, which is staffed by a 

community manager and officer. This function has been involved in social development activities, 

including the construction of a school, healthcare support, a previous partnership with PACT Congo 

and USAID in setting up an alternative livelihoods programme for artisanal and small scale miners, 

and has established the Mongbwalu Stakeholder Forum. 

An environmental manager was appointed in August 2010 and is responsible for managing the 

environmental issues on site. In the immediate future this will involve coordinating monitoring 

programmes and developing and implementing a grievance procedure. 




Figure 1-1: Regional locality map 




2 Governance framework 

2.1 Introduction 

This section provides an overview of the governance framework (relevant policies, directives and 

guidelines) applicable to the EIS and EMPP. It is important to note that this TOR report will assist in 

developing a rigorous EIS and EMPP and provide guidance in developing management plans for the 

proposed project.The EIS and EMPP falls within the context of the following legal requirements and 

guidelines: 

• The laws and regulations of the DRC including international treaties and agreements that the 

DRC is signatory to; 

• AGA’s policy and standards; 

• The Equator Principles (EPs), including the policies, guidelines and procedures of the 

International Finance Corporation (IFC), particularly the Performance Standards on Social and 

Environmental Sustainability (PS); 

• The Work Bank (WB) Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines; 

• Good international industry practice (GIIP) 2 guidelines such as those from the International 

Council on Mining and Metals; the International Cyanide Management Code; Voluntary 

Principles on Human Rights; Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. 

The scope of the EIS and EMPP outlined in this report was developed with these in mind and each 

standard is described in further detail in this section. 

2.2 DRC regulatory framework 3 

2.2.1 Project mineral and land rights 

The Mongbwalu project is 100% owned and developed by AGK. AGK is a joint venture between 

AGA and OKIMO, a company owned and operated by the Government of the DRC. AGA is an 

international gold mining company and the third largest producer of gold in the world. AGA’s 

primary stock exchange listing is on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in South Africa. The 

company’s ordinary shares are also listed on exchanges in London, Paris and Ghana, as well as being 

quoted in Brussels, in the form of International Depositary Receipts, in New York in the form of 

American Depositary Shares, in Australia in the form of CHESS Depositary Interests and in Ghana, 

in the form of Ghanaian Depository Shares 4 . 

AGK holds mining permits for a 5,487 km 2 area (the Kilo Regional Exploration area) within the 

formerly known Concession 40. Recent exploration has focused in the area of the former Adidi- 

Kanga Mine near Mongbwalu (an area of 40 km 2 , i.e. the Mongbwalu project area). The exploration 

right was up until March 2010 held by OKIMO, and it is unclear whether a Mitigation and 

2 Defined as the exercise of professional skill, diligence, prudence and foresight that would be reasonably 

expected from skilled and experienced professionals engaged in the same type of undertaking under the same 

or similar circumstances globally. 

3 This section is an amalgamation of different sources of information collected in the DRC and also largely 

based on information taken from Walmsley (2008), and Walmsley and Tshipala (2007). 

4 www.anglogold.co.za 




Rehabilitation Plan (MRP) exists for the exploration activities. Should a MRP not be available, AGK 

will need to compile one and submit it to DPEM for authorisation before implementing its 

management measures for existing exploration activities. 

2.2.2 Constitution 

The Constitution, also known as the Constitution of the Third Republic, was adopted by the 

government on February 18, 2006. Article 53 states that: 

• Every person has a right to a healthy environment which is favourable to his/her full 

development; 

• The environment must be protected; and 

• The State must look after the protection of the environment and the health of the people. 

Article 123 of the Constitution makes provision for laws to be made concerning, inter alia, “the 

protection of the environment and tourism”. Article 203 allows for co-operative governance by 

central government and the Provincial administrations “to protect the environment, natural sites and 

landscapes, and the conservation of such sites.” 

2.2.3 National Environmental Action Plan 

The DRC formulated its national Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) (Plan National d’Action 

Environmental, (PNAE)) in 1997, in response to Agenda 21 of the United Nations Conference on the 

Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The main finding was that the system 

of management of the country’s natural resources was deficient and that a legal framework was 

urgently required. 

The major issues identified in the PNAE were: 

• Daily destruction of the environment as a result of extreme poverty, population growth and 

general ignorance about environmental matters; 

• Water pollution, together with the absence of national water quality standards; 

• Soil degradation in areas with high population densities; 

• Air pollution resulting from the agricultural, industrial and energy industries; 

• Urban degradation and unhealthy conditions resulting from a combination of poor planning, the 

inability of municipal authorities to control the influx of migration to the cities, as well as 

population growth. 

2.2.4 Mining Code (Law No 007/2002) 

The only law that presently requires an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is the Code Minier 

or Mining Code, Law No 007/2002 of July 11, 2002. The Mining Code applies to all commercial 

activities associated with prospecting, exploitation, processing, transportation and sale of mineral 

substances, as well as artisanal mining activities 5 . It specifies the need for an MRP, EIS, and an 

EMPP. These are defined in the Mining Code as follows: 

5 UNDP, 1997 




• MRP: Plan required for the operations relating to a mineral or quarry exploration right or a 

Temporary Quarry Exploitation Licence pursuant to which a holder undertakes to carry out 

certain mitigation measures of the impact of his activities on the environment, as well as 

rehabilitation measures where said activities take place, including the holder’s undertaking to 

provide a financial guarantee to cover or guarantee the mitigation and rehabilitation costs of the 

environment; 

• EIS: A priori scientific analysis of the foreseeable potential effects a given activity will have on 

the environment, as well as the analysis of the acceptable levels thereof and the mitigating 

measures to be taken to ensure the conservation of the environment, subject to the best 

technology available, at a viable economic cost; 

• EMPP: Environmental specifications of the project consisting of a programme for the 

implementation and monitoring of measures contained in the EIS in order to eliminate, reduce 

and possibly offset the damaging consequences. 

2.2.5 Mining Regulations 

The Mining Code is supported by the Mining Regulations (Decree No 038/2003 of 26 March 2003), 

which implement the provisions of the Code including the environmental and social obligations 

relating to mining projects. Articles 450-457 of Schedule IX of the Regulations set out the 

requirements for EIS and EMPP reports. Articles 451, 225 and 478-480 lay down the purpose of and 

guidelines for public consultation. 

The Regulations contain a number of Schedules; those which relate specifically to the environment 

are: 

Schedule II: Financial surety for rehabilitation 

Schedule III: Environmental Code of Conduct for Prospectors 

Schedule V: Conduct Code for Artisanal Miners 

Schedule VII: MRP 

Schedule VIII: Guidelines for preparing an MRP 

Schedule IX: Guidelines for preparing an EIS and EMPP 

Schedule X: Closure measures 

Schedule XI: Classification of mine waste / tailings and their properties 

Schedule XII: Sensitive environments 

Schedule XIII: Method for the measurement of noise 

Schedule XIV: Structural stability of mine waste storage sites. 

2.2.6 Environmental permits and licences 

Other than the prospecting and exploitation permits required for mining activities (that require 

compliance with environmental protection regulations), there are no other known environmental 

permits required. 




While AGK holds an exploitation permit, for a mining permission to be granted, the Mongbwalu 

project will require the compilation, submission and approval of an EIS that includes an EMPP 

(Article 204 of the Mining Code). The steps involved in obtaining approval for the environmental 

assessment, include: 

• Developing the scope and terms of reference for the assessment in consultation with the DPEM 

(i.e. this report). While this is not a mandatory component of the study process, the opportunity 

exists for the applicant for a exploitation right to request clarification on the scope of the study 

and to enter into a memorandum of understanding in respect of the scope. 

• Consulting with the public during the preparation of the EIS and EMPP: the applicant must 

prepare a plan to consult with communities at the beginning of the EIS and submit this to both 

the DPEM and local communities. It must disclose the mining work programme, the negative 

and positive impacts arising from the project, and the mitigation and rehabilitation measures. 

The consultation process must also capture reactions, questions and concerns and respond to 

these within 20 working days. 

• Submitting the EIS and EMPP to the Mines’ Cadastre, which is then subject to review by an 

inter-ministerial committee (Permanent Evaluation/Assessment Committee) chaired by the 

Director of the DPEM; and 

• A decision from the DPEM. 

It is understood from specialists on DRC legislation that the EIS and EMPP will cover all aspects of 

permitting such as waste disposal, river diversion, water use, emissions, and effluent discharge. 

Confirmation of this from the DRC government is required. 

2.2.7 Proposed Framework Law on the Environment 

At present, there is no framework law for EIA in the DRC, however, there is a Ministerial Order No 

043/CAB/MIN/ECN-EF/2006 of December 8, 2006 which obliges all projects, old and new, to have 

an EIA. A Ministerial Order does not, however, carry the legal weight of a Law. 

A Framework Law on the Environment is in draft (Loi Cadre sur l’Enviroment) (version 5 of 18 

September 2007). The objective of this law is to set the fundamental principles relative to the 

management and protection of the environment against all forms of degradation in order to allow for 

the rational exploitation of natural resources, to fight against all forms of pollution and to improve 

the quality of life of the population, both present and future. Chapter 6 of the draft Framework Law 

deals with Environmental and Social Assessments. Article 51 requires all development projects 

which may have an impact on the environment to submit an Environmental and Social Impact Study 

(ESIS). 

2.2.8 Other environmental legislation 

In addition to the above legislation, there are numerous laws relating to environmental management 

in the DRC (refer to Table 2-1 for a summary). However, many of the laws are outdated and their 

implementation status is uncertain. 




Table 2-1: Key DRC environmental legislation for the Mongbwalu project 

Aspect Legislation 

General environment • Arrêté Ministèriel No. 043 of December 8, 2006 and No. 08 of April 3, 2007 

• Ordinance No. 07/018 of May 16, 2007 

Soils and land use • Article 28 (Topography, Geology and Land Use) from Chapter II of Schedule IX, 

Mining Regulations, Decree No. 038/2003 of March 26, 2003 

• Article 75 (Dead Ground Management) of Chapter V of Schedule IX, Mining 

Regulations, Decree No. 038 / 2003 of March 26, 2003 

Water • Decree of May 6, 1952 on water 

• Ordinance 52-443 of December 21, 1952 

• Regulation on lake and watercourse contamination and pollution of July 1, 1914 

• Article 30 to 33 from Chapter II of Schedule IX, Mining Regulations, Decree No. 

038 / 2003 of March 26, 2003 

• Articles 53 to 74 of Schedule IX of the Mining Regulations, Decree No. 038 / 2003 

of March 26, 2003 

Climate and air 

quality 

Biodiversity and 

protected areas 

• Article 29 (Climate and Air Quality) of Schedule IX of the Mining Regulations, 

Decree No. 038 / 2003 of March 26, 2003 

• Articles 49 to 52 of Schedule IX of the Mining Regulations, Decree No. 038 / 2003 

of March 26, 2003 

• Forest Code (Law 011 2002 of 28 May 2002) 

• Regulation No. 69-041 of 22 August 1969 

• Regulation No. 79-244 of 16 October 1997 (Amended 1995 and 1996) 

• Law No. 75-023 of July 22, 1975 and Regulation No. 78-190 of May 5, 1978 

• Articles 34 to 37 (Biological Environment) of Schedule IX of the Mining 

Regulations, Decree No. 038 / 2003 of March 26, 2003 

• Schedule XII of the Mining Regulations, Decree no. 038 / 2003 of March 26, 2003 

Noise and vibrations • Schedule XIII of the Mining Regulations, Articles 1 to 6 

• Articles 46 to 48 from Chapter II of Schedule IX, Mining Regulations, Decree No. 

038/2003 of March 26, 2003 

Cultural heritage • Ordinance 70-089 of 11 March 1970 

• Ordinance 71-016 of 15 March 1971 

• Article 46 of the Constitution of the DRC of February 18, 2006 

• Articles 205 and 206 of the Mining Code and Regulations 

Resettlement • Code Foncier Immobilier et Regime Des Surepes, April 5, 2006 

Artisanal mining • Articles 223, 224, 232, 233, 416, 417 and 575 of the Mining Regulations, Decree 

No. 038/2003 of March 26, 2004 

2.2.9 Roles and responsibilities 

President 

The President has jurisdiction over the classification of ‘prohibited areas’ which include, amongst 

others, sensitive environments. 

Minister of Mines 

The Minister of Mines has the ultimate jurisdiction over the granting and refusing of mining rights. 

However, he may be advised by the Commission for Validation of Mining and Quarrying Rights, 

which has the Minister of Environment as one of its members. 

Directorate of Mines 

The Directorate of Mines is responsible for inspecting and supervising mining activities and quarry 

works with regard to safety, health, work procedures, production, transport, sale and social matters. 




Directorate Responsible for the Protection of the Mining Environment 

The DPEM, within the Ministry of Mines, is responsible for all aspects relating to the protection of 

the environment for mining related activities. This Directorate is responsible for the implementation 

of and compliance with the relevant regulations contained within the Mining Code and Regulations 

by new mining developments in the DRC (Article 15, Mining Code 2002). 

The Minister is the competent authority for the approval of EIS and EMPPs for all mining operations 

excepting reconnaissance permits and artisanal mining. In these cases, the Provincial Directorate of 

Mines is the competent authority. 

The Permanent Assessment Committee (consisting of 14 members), chaired by the Director of the 

DPEM exists to review EIS and EMPPs. The committee has a maximum of 180 days within which 

to conclude its review of the EIS and EMPP and must deliver its recommendation to the Mines 

Cadastre. 

2.2.10 International agreements and conventions 

The DRC is signatory to a number of international agreements and conventions relating to 

environmental management. These set the context within which the DRC regulatory regime 

operates, and may therefore indirectly affect the Mongbwalu project. The key agreements are listed 

in Table 2-2 below. 

Table 2-2: Key international agreements 

Aspect Agreement / Convention 

Climate change/air quality • United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC), 1994 

• Kyoto Protocol, 1997 

• Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, 1985 

• Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, 1989 

Biodiversity and protected areas • Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl 

Habitat (Ramsar/Wetlands Convention), 1971 

• Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna 

and Flora (CITES), 1973 

• United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992 (UNCBD) 

• Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB) 

• United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, 1994 (UNCCD) 

• Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous 

Wastes and their Disposal 

• Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure on Certain 

Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade (1998) (joint interim 

secretariat FAQ) 

• Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants 

• United Nation’s Forum on Forests (UNFF) 

• Treaty on Central African Forests Commission, 2004 

• Algiers convention 

• The Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered species of 

Wild Fauna and Flora 

• Bonn Convention on Migratory Species 

Cultural heritage • UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit 

Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, 1970 

• UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and 

Natural Heritage, 1972 (World Heritage Convention) 

Human rights • International convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of 

Genocide 

• International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial 




Aspect Agreement / Convention 

Discrimination (ICERD) 

• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 

• International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights 

• International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination 

Against Women 

• Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment 

or Punishment 

• Convention on the Rights of the Child 

Labour, health and safety • Elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour – Convention 29 and 

105 

• Elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation – 

Convention 100 and 111 

• Effective Abolition of Child Labour – Convention 138 and 182 

2.3 AngloGold Ashanti policy and standards 

2.3.1 AGA Vision, Values and Mission 

AGA aims to ensure that the environments in which it works remain ecologically sound and 

sustainable, and that the communities in which it operates derive socio-economic benefits. AGA 

operates according to a range of community and environmental management standards. 

AGA’s Vision is “to be the leading mining company”. 

AGA’s Values are as follows: 

• “Safety is our first value. 

• We treat each other with dignity and respect. 

• We value diversity. 

• We are accountable for our actions and undertake to deliver on our commitments. 

• The communities and societies in which we operate will be better off for AngloGold Ashanti 

having been there. 

• We respect the environment.” 

AGA’s Mission is to “create value for our shareholders, our employees and our business and social 

partners through safely and responsibly exploring, mining and marketing our products. Our primary 

focus is gold and we will pursue value creating opportunities in other minerals where we can 

leverage our existing assets, skills and experience to enhance the delivery of value.” 

2.3.2 AGA standards 

AGA has a number of standards applicable to community and environmental management at 

Mongbwalu. The community management standards are in final draft form and not yet approved by 

AGA. 

Community management standards include the following: 

• Artisanal and small-scale mining; 

• Cultural heritage and sacred sites; 




• Indigenous peoples; 

• Community complaints and grievances; 

• Engagement; 

• Land access; and 

• Socio-economic development. 

Environmental management standards include the following: 

• Air quality; 

• Chemical; 

• Closure and rehabilitation; 

• Land use; 

• Waste; and 

• Water. 

2.4 Equator Principles 

The Equator Principles Financial Institutions (EPFIs) have adopted a set of guidelines, known as the 

Equator Principles, published in 2003 and revised in 2006. The principles provide a framework for 

an accepted international approach to the management of social and environmental issues. They 

were developed by a number of leading financial institutions, including the International Finance 

Corporation, to provide an approach to determine, assess and manage environmental and social risk 

in project financing. The intention is to ensure that projects are developed in a site specific manner 

that is socially responsible and reflects sound environmental management practices. The principles 

apply to all new projects seeking project finance from EPFIs with total project costs of US$10 

million or more. While the Mongbwalu project does not require project finance from an EPFI and 

will not be structuring its EIS reporting strictly according to EP requirements, AGA’s standards in 

several cases incorporate these and other international practice requirements. The principles, 

sentiments and approaches included in the EPs and IFC PSs are applicable to the project and are 

therefore outlined in this section. 

To provide guidance on how the broad-based EPs can be made specific to this project, reference is 

made to a number of World Bank guidelines and IFC policies, standards and guidelines, which are 

generally considered to represent good international practice. 

2.5 IFC’s Performance Standards 

In non-Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries (e.g. DRC), 

the applicable social and environmental standards are the IFC Policies and Performance Standards 6 . 

A particular focus is placed on ensuring adequate public consultation and disclosure is carried out so 

that affected communities are fully informed about the project and their views and concerns are 

taken into account. 

6 www.ifc.org/enviro 




Previously the IFC Safeguard Policies (e.g. Operational Policy 4.01) were used as the main guidance 

documents (and were specifically referenced in the EPs), but in April 2006, IFC published a new set 

of guidelines to update the policies, called the PSs. Most of the PSs are applicable to the project and 

listed below. 

• PS1: Social and Environmental Assessment and Management System; 

• PS2: Labour and Working Conditions; 

• PS3: Pollution Prevention and Abatement; 

• PS4: Community Health, Safety and Security; 

• PS5: Land Acquisition and Involuntary Resettlement; 

• PS6: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Natural Resource Management; 

• PS7: Indigenous Peoples; and 

• PS8: Cultural Heritage. 

The IFC’s Sustainability Framework, which includes the performance standards, is currently under 

review with the revised standards due for publication in early 2011. While new standards are not 

expected revisions to the existing standards are anticipated which will place greater emphasis on the 

following issues: 

• Climate change; 

• Human rights; 

• Ecosystems services; 

• Gender; 

• Supply chain; 

• Land acquisition; and 

• Labour. 

2.6 IFC tools 

The IFC has a suite of tools to assist with the application of the performance standards including 

guidance notes on each performance standard, general and sector specific EHS Guidelines and good 

practice manuals. 

2.6.1 World Bank Environment, Health and Safety Guidelines 

The WB EHS Guidelines are technical reference documents with general and industry-specific 

examples of GIIP, as defined in IFC's PS3 on Pollution Prevention and Abatement 7 . Reference to the 

EHS Guidelines is required under PS3. 

The EHS Guidelines contain the performance levels and measures that are normally acceptable to 

IFC and are generally considered to be achievable in new facilities at reasonable costs by existing 

7 The information in this section has been taken and modified from 

http://www.ifc.org/ifcext/enviro.nsf/Content/EnvironmentalGuidelines. 




technology. For IFC-financed projects, application of the EHS Guidelines to existing facilities may 

involve the establishment of site-specific targets with an appropriate timetable for achieving them. 

The environmental assessment process may recommend alternative (higher or lower) levels or 

measures, which, if acceptable to IFC, become project- or site-specific requirements. 

When host country regulations differ from the levels and measures presented in the EHS Guidelines, 

projects are expected to achieve whichever is more stringent. If less stringent levels or measures are 

appropriate in view of specific project circumstances, a full and detailed justification for any 

proposed alternatives is needed as part of the site-specific environmental assessment. This 

justification should demonstrate that the choice for any alternate performance levels is protective of 

human health and the environment. 

New versions of the EHS Guidelines became effective from April 2007, and replace those 

documents previously published in Part III of the Pollution Prevention and Abatement Handbook 

and on the IFC website 8 . 

2.6.2 General EHS guidelines 

The General EHS Guidelines contain information on cross-cutting environmental; occupational 

health and safety; community health and safety; and construction and decommissioning issues 

potentially applicable to all industry sectors. They should be used together with the relevant industry 

sector guidelines. 

2.6.3 Industry Sector Guidelines 

Industry sector guidelines provide details on the EHS issues and impacts associated with specific 

sectors, and propose management measures including indicators and monitoring requirements. The 

following industry sector guidelines may be applicable to the Mongbwalu project: 

• Mining; 

• Electric power transmission and distribution; 

• Toll roads; 

• Waste management facilities; and 

• Water and sanitation. 

2.7 International Council on Mining and Metals 

2.7.1 Sustainable development principles 

The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) has adopted the Brundtland Commission’s 

definition of sustainable development: “development that meets the needs of the present without 

compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. In the mining and metals 

sector, this means that investments should be financially profitable, technically appropriate, 

environmentally sound and socially responsible. 

8 See http://www.ifc.org/ifcext/enviro.nsf/Content/EnvironmentalGuidelines. 




Member companies of the ICMM, of which AGA is one, are committed to measuring their 

sustainable development performance in terms of 10 principles approved in May 2003. The 

principles, listed below, form an important part of the ICMM’s sustainable development framework: 

Principle 1 

Implement and maintain ethical business practices and sound systems of corporate governance. 

Principle 2 

Integrate sustainable development considerations within the corporate decision-making process. 

Principle 3 

Uphold fundamental human rights and respect cultures, customs and values in dealings with 

employees and others who are affected by our activities. 

Principle 4 

Implement risk management strategies based on valid data and sound science. 

Principle 5 

Seek continual improvement of our health and safety performance. 

Principle 6 

Seek continual improvement of our environmental performance. 

Principle 7 

Contribute to conservation of biodiversity and integrated approaches to land use planning. 

Principle 8 

Facilitate and encourage responsible product design, use, re-use, recycling and disposal of our 

products. 

Principle 9 

Contribute to the social, economic and institutional development of the communities in which we 

operate. 

Principle 10 

Implement effective and transparent engagement, communication and independently verified 

reporting arrangements with our stakeholders. 

2.7.2 Good practice guidelines and toolkits 

While there are numerous ICMM publications, good practice guidelines and toolkits, the following 

are of particular importance to the Mongbwalu project: 

• Good practice guideline on mining and biodiversity; 

• Human rights in the mining and metals sector; 

• Health impact assessment; 

• How large-scale mining can engage with artisanal and small-scale miners; 

• Planning for integrated mine closure; and 

• Mining and indigenous peoples. 




2.8 International Cyanide Management Code 9 

The International Cyanide Management Code is a voluntary initiative for the gold mining industry 

which focuses on the safe management of cyanide produced, transported and used for the recovery 

of gold, and on cyanidation mill tailings and leach solutions. The objective of the Code is to improve 

the management of cyanide used in gold mining and assist in the protection of human health and the 

reduction of environmental impacts. The International Cyanide Management Institute is a nonprofit 

corporation established to administer the Code. AGA is a signatory to this Code. By 

becoming a signatory, a company commits to following the Code’s Principles and implementing 

its Standards of Practice. 

2.9 Other benchmarks, guidelines and reference materials 

2.9.1 Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights 

The Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights guide companies in maintaining the safety 

and security of their operations within a framework that ensures respect for human rights and 

fundamental freedoms. They have been adopted by responsible companies operating in former 

conflict zones, and in areas where security functions are both essential and sensitive. AGA applied to 

become a member of the Voluntary Principles, and was formally admitted in May 2007. The 

company has begun the process of formulating a roll-out strategy for the Voluntary Principles across 

all operations. These include involving senior management in the Voluntary Principles as they apply 

to the company, developing Implementation Guidelines and undertaking training inside the 

organisation. The DRC has been identified as a priority country for the roll out of the Principles 10 . 

2.9.2 Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative 

The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is a coalition of governments, companies, 

civil society groups, investors and international organizations. The aim of this initiative is to 

strengthen governance by improving transparency and accountability in the extractive industries 

sector. The EITI promotes improved governance in resource-rich countries through the verification 

and full publication of company payments and government revenue. The DRC government voted to 

join EITI in November 2005. AGA has been an active supporter of the initiative since its inception, 

both via the company’s membership of the ICMM and individual corporate action. AGA formally 

became an organisational supporter of the EITI in 2006. As a matter of principle AGA has 

established a practice of disclosing all payments made to governments in its annual Sustainability 

Review 11 . 

2.9.3 Standards for Artisanal and Small Scale Mining 

Artisanal and small scale mining (ASM) is common in the DRC. There is no consolidated body of 

standards to guide mining companies seeking to engage and manage ASM. However a framework of 

policy and good practice can be derived from some of the sources discussed above: 

9 Information taken from the International Cyanide Management Code website: www.cyanidecode.org. 

10 http://www.anglogoldashanti.com/Sustainability/AngloGold+Ashanti+and+the+Voluntary+Principles.htm 

11 http://www.anglogoldashanti.com/Sustainability/Extractive+Industries+Transparency+Initiative+(EITI).htm 




• The DRC Mining Code has a clear view on ASM. In terms of the Code, ASM is a recognised 

form of mining. However, it is only considered to be legal if it takes place in dedicated 

concessions established by government, and if miners are registered to work in these ASM areas. 

• Formal miners sometimes find themselves in conflict with artisanal miners in their concession 

areas. If displacement is considered, the IFC has recently provided a useful guideline. In essence, 

the view of the IFC is that cases of economic displacement of artisanal miners (i.e. moving 

miners from an area to be mined) can be managed under the provisions of PS 1. Where physical 

displacement does occur (i.e. physically displacing miners and their residences to another site, 

the full provisions of PS 5 apply. In the latter case a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) is required. 

• In many areas, ASM activity is accompanied by safety and labour practices that are unacceptable 

by international standards. These practices include child labour, child exploitation and low (if 

any) payment. Against this background, companies engaging (or at the very least condoning) 

ASM within their concessions need to be mindful of the International Labour Organisation 

(ILO) core conventions. 

• The Voluntary Principles also provide guidance in situations of conflict with ASM. 

3 Objectives, approach and process 

3.1 Objectives 

The EIS process commenced with a scoping exercise to determine the nature and extent of the 

environmental and social assessment necessary for the project. The key objectives were to: 

• Identify and engage with project stakeholders 12 through a public consultation and disclosure 

process; 

• Identify important environmental and social issues that require further investigation; 

• Interact with the feasibility team to identify feasible project alternatives for further assessment; 

• Develop the TOR for the specialist studies, impact assessment and management planning; 

• Structure an ongoing public consultation and disclosure process for the remainder of the EIS. 

3.2 Information gathering 

Information pertaining to the project area was collated from the following sources and activities: 

• The Environmental and Social Adjustment Plan compiled in 2008 by SRK for the Mongbwalu 

Tailings Retreatment project; 

• A screening site visit undertaken by SRK in February 2010 as part of the tender process; 

12 Stakeholders are workers, affected stakeholders and other stakeholders. Affected Stakeholders are people, 

groups or communities who are subject to actual or potential project-related risks and /or adverse impacts on 

their physical environment, health or livelihoods and who are often located in the project’s near geographical 

proximity. Note that workers are defined as employees and other workers directly contracted by AGK to carry 

out work on the project. 




• Numerous project meetings and communication between AGA, the feasibility study teams, the 

onsite management teams and its consulting teams, SRK Consulting, Synergy Global 

Consulting, and Newfields; 

• Available spatial data including colour high resolution aerial photography (dated 2005) covering 

the immediate project area; 

• Consultation with local communities and other stakeholders at public consultation meetings held 

in May and June 2010 (refer to section 3.3 for details); 

• A site visit conducted from 28 May to 6 June 2010, including the social, water and air quality 

specialist teams; 

• Focus groups and key informant interviews conducted by the social specialist team in 

July/August 2010; 

• A site visit conducted by the National Ministry of Environment and environmental specialists on 

28 August 2010. 

3.3 Public consultation and disclosure 

The objectives of the public consultation and disclosure process in the first round were to: 

• Identify project stakeholders and develop a database of stakeholders; 

• Share information with stakeholders about the project and the EIS; 

• Provide stakeholders with an opportunity to raise concerns, questions and issues about the 

project and the EIS process; 

• Identify the issues that should be evaluated in the environmental and social assessments. 

3.3.1 Stakeholder identification 

Stakeholders were identified through the following methods: 

• Reference to AGK’s and AGA’s existing stakeholder databases and past communication 

documentation; and 

• Community and focus group information sharing meetings held between May and June 2010 

(refer to section 3.3.4 for details). 

The stakeholder database collated thus far is included in Appendix A. All persons who attended the 

information sharing meetings have been registered as stakeholders for the EIS as well as any other 

persons who have been identified by SRK and have received correspondence on the project. 

Stakeholders identified for the project fall into several groups: 

• Affected communities; 


• Artisanal miners; 

• International watchdog organisations; 

• Conservation organisations; 

• Civil organisations; 




• Government institutions; 

• Traditional authorities; 

• Labour unions; 

• AGK Employees; and 

• Commerce and business. 

Certain groups such as indigenous peoples are incomplete at this stage. The stakeholder database 

will be updated regularly, as new stakeholders are identified. Engagement methods will be reviewed 

if required for specific stakeholder groups (for example indigenous communities and groups). 

3.3.2 Background information document 

A background information document (BID) introducing the project was compiled in the languages of 

the stakeholders (French, Swahili and English) and provided to attendees of the information sharing 

meetings. A copy of the BID is provided in Appendix B. 

3.3.3 Presentation material and posters 

A French PowerPoint presentation based on the BID was used in several of the information sharing 

and issues gathering meetings discussed in Section 3.3.5 (Appendix C). In addition posters (in 

French) were used in several meetings, especially where there was no electricity, or where 

circumstances permitted an interactive format using the posters. In addition to the BID, hard copies 

of the posters used during some meetings were also distributed to the attendees. A copy of the 

posters is provided in Appendix C. 

3.3.4 Public information-sharing and issues gathering meetings 

Several information-sharing meetings were held between 31 May and 8 June 2010. Table 3-1 

provides summary details of meetings held during the scoping phase of the EIS. 

Table 3-1: Details of information sharing and issues gathering meetings 

Stakeholder 

Group 

Mongbwalu Mayor 

and Security Team 

Number of 

attendees 

12 Mayor’s house, 

Mongbwalu 

Tax Office 2 Direction Générale 

d’Impôts, 

Mongbwalu Town 


Stakeholder Forum 

Village leaders in 

directly affected area 

Village leaders in 

indirectly affected 

area 

Local Nongovernment 

and 

community based 

organisations 

35 Forum building, 


5 Chef de 

Groupement’s 

house, Tshibi Tshibi 

15 Restaurant in Pluto 

village 

29 Forum building, 


Nzebi community 85 Catholic Church, 

Nzebi village 

Location Date and time 

31 May 2010 at 

09:20 

31 May 2010 at 

11:00 

31 May 2010 at 

14:30 

1 June 2010 at 

09:15 


11:00 


14:30 


09:30 




Stakeholder 

Group 


community 

Number of 

attendees 

25 Mongbwalu Town 

Hall 

AGK Workers 160 Mongbwalu 

Exploration Camp 

CDC Associated 

NGOs 

Regional government, 

MONUC and other 

NGOs 

8 New Cosmos Hotel 

conference venue, 

Bunia 

Location Date and time 


11:30 


14:50 


17:30 

42 Pères Blancs, Bunia 7 June 2010 at 

11:10 

Okimo 6 Okimo head office, 

Bunia 

The purpose of these meetings was to: 


15:15 

• Share information about the project and the environmental process with stakeholders; 

• Provide stakeholders with an opportunity to share concerns and issues with the SRK team for 

inclusion into the EIS and EMPP; 

• Discuss the process requirements of stakeholders. 

The minutes of these meetings including attendance registers are included in Appendix D while key 

issues raised by stakeholders are summarised in section 5. All meetings were facilitated by SRK, 

with French, Swahili and Lingala interpretation provided by both SRK and a local interpreter. 

3.3.5 Response boxes 

In addition to the issues gathering sessions held at the meetings, a response sheet was included in the 

BID, which requested stakeholders to submit their issues, concerns and recommendations for the 

project in the Response Boxes provided at the Mongbwalu Stakeholder Forum office in Mongbwalu 

town. The BID documentation also invited stakeholders to contact the SRK consultation team or 

AGK telephonically or via e-mail to discuss issues and concerns. 

Only a few responses have been received to date and are included in Appendix E. This 

communication method needs further consideration to be effective and will be discussed with 

stakeholders in the consultation meetings in October. 

3.3.6 Authority consultation 

While consultation with local authorities has been carried out, and certain regional representatives 

attended meetings in Bunia, no consultation with national and provincial DRC authorities has yet 

occurred (with the exception of the Ministry of Environment – refer to section 3.3.7 for details). 

SRK will be consulting with additional government departments including regulatory authorities in 

Kinshasa and Kisangani in October 2010. The purpose of the meetings will be to share information 

on the project and EIS, to present the findings of the scoping study and the detailed TOR for 

specialists, and to obtain comment on the proposed scope and way forward. 

3.3.7 Site visit by Ministry of Environment and environmental specialists 

An inspection site visit by a delegation of environmental specialists from Kinshasa and Bunia was 

conducted on 28 August 2010. The visit was in line with the DRC government initiative of assessing 




mining environmental damages post-conflict in the DRC. It was a visit conducted jointly by the 

Ministry of Environment and a team of specialists from United Nations Environmnent Programme 

(UNEP). The delegation included respresentatives from the National Ministry of Environment, the 

Ituri District, environmental specialists from UNEP and OKIMO. 

The purpose of the visit was for the delegation to: 

• Obtain an understanding of AGK activities and the current state of the environment; 

• Review the relationships between AGK, government and communities including gold diggers; 

• Investigate historical liabilities and how these will be accommodated between AGK, OKIMO 

and the Government. 

The delegation raised several issues related to the project and several of these are presented in 

section 5. 

3.3.8 Scoping feedback to stakeholders 

The purpose of this report is to document the latest project information and findings of the scoping 

study, to propose a scope for more detailed investigation of issues raised and to propose a public 

consultation and disclosure approach for the remainder of the EIS. It is aimed at providing 

information to stakeholders and to provide feedback regarding the outcomes of the scoping process. 

The contents of this report will be made available publicly in various formats: 

• The full report in French and English (this report); 

• A non-technical summary in French and English; 

• Posters, electronic and oral presentations of the report content. 

Stakeholders are invited to comment on the report and its contents, and these comments will be 

incorporated into the report for finalisation. Copies of this full report will be placed in the following 

locations: 

• Okimo offices in Mongbwalu; 

• AGK Mongbwalu Exploration Camp; 

• Information and documentation centre to be established by AGK in Mongbwalu; 

• Cadre de Concertation offices in Bunia; 

• SRK’s website: www.srk.co.za/publicdocuments/. 

SRK will monitor the effectiveness of the feedback process and documents, and will modify future 

rounds of feedback accordingly. Ways to improve information access and disclosure will also be 

discussed during the next round of public consultation. 




4 Project description 

4.1 Project details 

Details currently available for the Mongbwalu project are given in Table 4-1, and a proposed site 

layout is given in Figure 4-1. This description will be refined as the feasibility study progresses. 

Table 4-1: Project details 

Aspect Description 

Mining 

Target minerals Gold 

Ore body The defined resource area extends approximately 700 m to the east and 550 m 

to the south-east of the previous Adidi-Kanga Mine. The gold mineralisation is 

hosted in one continuous mylonite body that is over 850 m long and up to 

approximately 600 m wide. It dips to both the north-east and south-east. In the 

Adidi-Kanga Mine area the mylonite partially outcrops at surface and to the west 

obtains a maximum depth of approximately 150 m. On the eastern side, the 

potential resource area is approximately 350 m wide and 250 m long. 

Gold is located in both the mylonite and in quartz veins. The average gold grade 

within the mylonite from all drill holes is 1.36 g/t and the average grade in the 

quartz veins within the mylonite is 4.37 g/t. 

Products Unrefined gold 

Mining method The project will involve underground mining accessed through a portal and a 

decline adit. 

The main mining method will be longhole panel stoping with regular pillars. This 

method has been determined by the flat dipping nature of the ore and typical ore 

widths of 3-5 m. Underground stope sizes on the flat dipping orebodies will vary 

depending on rock strength. Ore recovery of 60-80% is expected in these areas. 

Steeply dipping, wider orebodies, and locations where two flat dipping orebodies 

overlap or are in close proximity may be recovered by longhole open stoping 

using a combination of cemented rock and wastefill. A 90% ore extraction is 

expected in these areas. Sequencing of the underground mining will be 

according to grade, resource classification and the management of mining 

induced stress to ensure the earliest payback with highest confidence. 

Mine ventilation is likely to include two surface raises (ventilation shafts) for mine 

exhaust with air volumes of greater than 150 m 3 /sec from each. In addition to the 

main decline a second intake airway is likely to be developed. This would also 

act as a secondary outlet from the underground workings. 

Mine haulage will be by 40-50 tonne trucks being hauled directly from 

underground production areas to the processing plant. 

The blasting of critical path development is intended to be 24 hours a day with 

the allowance for independent firing. Underground stope blasting is intended to 

be during the 30 minute period at the end of each shift each day. 

Open pit mining may be viable in the longer term but is not being considered for 

the immediate study. 

Tonnages The feasibility study intends to show 1 Moz of indicated gold resource with a total 

estimate of 2.3 to 3 Moz. Production is estimated at a milling rate of 720 

kilotonnes per year. 

Operating period (life of mine) The mine will be operational 24 hours per day. The immediate study is based on 

5 years of underground mine production with a development lead time of up to 

18 months. The existing identified resource has the potential to extend the mine 

life beyond the production period included in the study. 

Mineral processing 





Processing plant A metallurgical gold plant is planned for processing mined ore into unrefined 

gold. The following processes will be used: crushing and milling followed by 

gravity concentration and flotation. 

Surface infrastructure such as workshops, offices, change house, reagent and 

chemical storage areas, pollution control facilities, pipelines, roads and 

conveyors will be required and are included in the plant design and Feasibility 

Study. 

Crushing and milling Three stages of crushing are envisaged the output of which will feed a ball mill. 

Run of Mine (ROM) ore will be fed at 192 t/h (12 hours per day) into a feed 

reception bin, which is equipped with a static grizzly. The grizzly undersize 

material will report to a vibrating grizzly feeder, while the oversize material will be 

broken down with a rock breaker. 

The vibrating grizzly feeder oversize material will be fed into a jaw crusher; the 

jaw crusher discharge and the vibrating grizzly undersize material will be 

conveyed onto a double deck sizing screen. The screen oversize material will be 

conveyed to the secondary cone crusher surge bin, while the screen middle size 

material will be conveyed to the tertiary cone crusher surge bin. The screen 

undersize material will be conveyed to the stockpile and to ball mill surge bin 

thereafter. 

The ore from the crusher surge bins is fed to a cone crushers and the cone 

crushers product will report to a single deck sizing screen. The screen oversize 

will be re-circulated back to the tertiary crusher surge bin, while the screen 

undersize will be conveyed to the stockpile and to the ball mill surge bin 

afterwards. Ore to be milled will be diverted to the stockpile if the ball mill is not 

available for an extended period. 

From the stockpile the ore will be fed into a ball mill surge bin and conveyed to 

the ball mill. The milling section will be run at 90% availability at 24 hours per 

day; 106 t/h will be fed to the ball mill in close circuit with a cyclone with a 

circulating charge of 250%. 

The ball mill discharge will report to a sump and after dilution pumped to a 

cyclone. The cyclone overflow will report to the Flotation Section (Option A) or 

Carbon in Leach (Option B) section. 

Gravity concentration The cyclone underflow will report to a screen, the screen oversize material will 

report back to the ball mill, while the screen underflow material will gravitate into 

the Knelson gravity concentrator. The gravity concentrate will report to an ILR, 

while the gravity tails will be washed and pumped back to the ball mill. 

Option A: Flotation The cyclone overflow will report to the flotation cells via a conditioning tank, the 

rougher overflow will be pumped to the cleaner cells while the rougher tails will 

be discard to residue, the cleaner overflow will be re-cleaned while the cleaner 

tails will be pumped back to rougher cells. 

The re-cleaner overflow, final float concentrate, will be pumped to the ILR and 

the re-cleaner tails will report to the cleaner cells. 

Option B: Carbon-in-leach (CIL) The cyclone overflow will report to a screen, the screen underflow will gravitate 

to a thickener for dewatering and pumped to the Carbon In-Leach (CIL) section. 

The thickener overflow will be pumped into the process water tank. The gold will 

then be recovered through adsorption onto carbon in the CIL. 

Intensive cyanidation leach The gravity concentrates, and flotation concentrates (for Option A only) will 

report to the ILR for an intensive leach process, and the ILR tails will be washed 

and re-circulated to the ball mill. 

Elution (for Option B only) The loaded carbon from CIL will be acid washed and then eluated; the eluate 

solution will report to the electrowinning cells. 

After elution the carbon will be regenerated and screened for removal of the fine 

particles and then use afterwards in the CIL Circuit. 

Electrowinning The pregnant solution from the ILR (for Option A) or the eluate solution (for 





Option B) will report to electrowinning for gold deposition onto cathodes. 

Smelting After washing and drying, the ‘loaded’ cathodes will be sent to smelting to 

produce unrefined gold. 

Reagents The reagent make up will be done in one shift per day to cover 24 hours of 

operating; cyanide and potassium amyl xanthate will be prepared in this section. 

Safety will be a major focus in the design/layout of this section. 

Cyanide detoxification The CIL Tails will be pumped to cyanide detoxification before disposal to the 

Tailings Storage Facility (TSF). 

Waste management 

Tailings storage facility and 

return water dam 

Waste rock dumps and 

associated pipeline 

A single TSF will be required for the storage tailings material. The intention is to 

design the TSF to accommodate the current project with the possibility of 

expansion for potential later phases of the Mongbwalu project. 

A site selection study considering economic, engineering, social and 

environmental criteria has scored 12 potential tailings disposal sites. The most 

probable site is located 2 km north of Nzebi village. After 5 years of operation, it 

will be about 22 hectares in area and 38 m in height. The area of the starter dam 

will be cleared of vegetation and topsoil to a depth of around 150 mm. The soil 

will be stockpiled for use in covering the dam walls as they are raised, to reduce 

visual impact and prevent wind and water erosion. 

The TSF will be built using the centreline downstream deposition method. 

Tailings will be piped from the plant to the TSF via an enclosed surface pipeline. 

Drainage systems will be installed within the TSF to allow removal of water from 

the tailings (supernatant) and also around the base of the TSF walls to collect 

any seepage. 

A return water dam will be required for the facility. Currently, the method of 

tailings deposition has not been determined, but current options include 

spigoting, cycloning and daywalling. Water from the TSF will be pumped back to 

the plant and re-used in the process. 

A waste rock facility will be necessary although most underground developments 

will be on reef with minimal waste developments. Waste rock may be used for 

the TSF construction and so there is a possibility that the waste rock dump will 

not host much waste in the first few years of mine life. 

A pipeline will be constructed underneath the waste rock dump in order to 

preserve the original flow of the stream as the dump will be situated in a 

watercourse. 

Waste disposal A hazardous waste storage site will not be constructed on site. Hazardous waste 

will be packaged and transported to Bunia, and then disposed of at an 

accredited facility either in the DRC or outside the country. Industrial and 

domestic waste disposal sites will be constructed. 

Domestic effluent Sewage treatment facilities will be provided for all sewage and greywater 

generated on site. All effluent will be treated and discharged. The location of the 

proposed discharge is not yet known. 

Pollution control dams There will be a pollution control dam on the surface directly south of the mine 

portal area to contain underground water. Water from this dam will be treated at 

a nearby treatment plant before it is discharged into the environment. 

Other mine surface infrastructure 

There will also be a pollution control dam in the plant area for the plant workings. 

Water from this dam will be discharged into the return water dam. 

Access and haul roads Main access roads will be those linking the gold plant, TSF, TSF service roads 

along the perimeter, underground mine, waste rock dump, offices, Mongbwalu 

camp / mine village and surrounding villages. Many of these roads already exist, 

with certain sections requiring construction and they will be gravel roads. 





The feeder road network (87 km from Bunia) and supporting infrastructure (for 

example bridges) will need to be maintained. Any upgrade will be focused on 

developing a reasonably good surface (not tarred) and re-enforcing or repair of 

bridge infrastructure to support heavy vehicles where required. The feeder road 

network is excluded from this study as existing roads will be used. 

Power supply Power requirements for the mine and gold plant are estimated at 6 MW. 

Currently, the site is fed by hydroelectric power from the Budana Power Station 

and due to low availability, two generators, 11 kVA and 80 kVA, are used to 

ensure supply. The camp will grow and it is estimated that 250 kVA will be 

required during the operational phase. Generators, using diesel or heavy fuel oil, 

will be used for operations. If in future the needs of the project can be met 

through hydroelectric power only, the generators would be used as backup 

power supply. 

Offices, workshops and 

medical facility 

Hydroelectric power can be supplied through two options, i.e. supplied locally 

through the refurbishment of the existing and operational Budana Power Station 

to installed capacity (13 MVA), which will include the refurbishment of the 

existing transmission lines and equipment; or through a project initiative to 

develop an energy company and supply solution that can address the overall 

energy requirements of the region and develop and maintain a sustainable 

supply. This initiative will involve a collaborative effort between OKIMO, nongovernmental 

organisations (NGO’s) and mining partners / companies in the 

region. This does not form part of this study. 

Offices and workshops will be built at the plant site and a medical facility will be 

provided. 

Mine contractors plant A mine contractors plant will be built near to the mine portal area. This plant will 

include offices, workshops, change house, messing facility, lay-down area, 

refuelling point and wash bay. 

Fuel and reagent storage A refuelling depot will be established and reagents will be stored in the 

processing plant. 

Transport of people and 

materials 

Transport of people will be via helicopter and road. Transport of materials will be 

via road. 

Borrow pits Borrow pits would be identified for road building materials (gravel) and for 

construction (hard rock) materials. The locations of these are not currently 

known. 

Water supply Water from the TSF will be pumped back to the plant and re-used. Additional 

water will be needed for the plant, particularly during the ramp-up phase. 

Underground and surface water sources are being considered as supply. 

Alternatives being considered are listed in Table 4-2. It is likely that a surface 

water resource such as the Abode or Ituri River will be required for long-term 

supply, which will necessitate the replacement or construction of pipelines 

respectively. There is an existing pipeline and pump station at the Abode River, 

but these would need to be replaced. The distance from the abode reservoir to 

the mine is approximately 10 km. The water in the Ituri River is available in 

abundance and the distance from this river to the plant site is approximately 6.8 

km. A service road and pipeline would be need to be constructed for this water 

supply option. 

Housing A staff village to house employees is currently planned, while the existing 

Mongbwalu camp will be upgraded to allow for additional capacity in the form of 

additional, temporary modularized accommodation and supporting facilities. The 

new village will accommodate 120 people. 

Bunia staging area A staging area in Bunia is required and it is envisaged that the staging area will 

consist of offices, accommodation, workshops and reagent storage facilities.The 

location of the staging area is currently unknown and does not form part of the 

EIS study at this stage. 

Employment 

Employment The mine will employ people during construction and at full production. 




Figure 4-1: Conceptual project infrastructure layout 




4.2 Engineering integration 

Engineering integration refers to the interaction between the feasibility study and the EIS, in 

particular the consideration of environmental and social issues in the engineering and project design. 

The focus of the integration has so far been on defining environmental and social design criteria, and 

using these to influence the design, technology and location of proposed infrastructure. A limited 

amount of alternatives analysis has been carried out yet due to the conceptual nature of certain 

aspects of the feasibility study. The mechanisms to influence the engineering design have included: 

• Providing engineers with a design criteria report and GIS data (described in section 4.2.1); and 

• Meetings with feasibility engineers at which alternatives and environmental and social design 

criteria were discussed: Two meetings have been held so far with engineers, on the 9 th and 22 nd 

July 2010. Further meetings are planned once more detailed feasibility information is available. 

The environmental and social design criteria and alternatives are described in more detail in the 

following sections. 

4.2.1 Environmental and social design criteria 

In parallel with the scoping study, a high level study to identify environmental and social criteria to 

apply to the engineering design was conducted. The output of this study was a guidance document 

provided to the feasibility team to ensure the best environmental and social designs and alternatives 

are selected. The full draft report can be made available on request; however this section provides a 

summary of the report contents. 

Criteria are based on the requirements of good international industry practice 13 (GIIP) as well as 

legal requirements. The legislation, standards and guidelines as discussed in Chapter 2 have been 

considered in the development of principles and criteria. Three types of criteria are defined: 

• Overarching principles: (See Box 1 below). 

• Spatial constraints: Key environmental and social assets or features of the study area have been 

defined and mapped to provide guidance on locating infrastructure. Key assets/features mapped 

thus far (based on available information and 2005 aerial photography) include artisanal mining 

areas, settlements, access routes, cultivated areas, forest habitats and remaining patches, 

wetlands and rivers. More detailed mapping of assets will be conducted during specialists’ 

studies. 

• Emission, exposure and ambient limits and guidelines: Environmental standards and guideline 

values include those for: ambient air quality and emissions, dust deposition, liquid effluent, 

ambient water quality for various uses, noise and energy consumption. Occupational health and 

safety values cover workplace air quality, illumination intensity and radiological hazards. 

13 Defined as the exercise of professional skill, diligence, prudence and foresight that would be reasonably 

expected from skilled and experienced professionals engaged in the same type of undertaking under the same 

or similar circumstances globally. 




4.2.2 Alternatives 

The focus of the alternatives analysis has been on spatial location of infrastructure due to the 

unavailability of detailed design information from the feasibility study. Considerably more work on 

identifying and assessing alternatives is required and is planned for the EIS phase. 

Alternatives that are technically and financially feasible for project infrastructure 

locations have been assessed at a high level using preliminary 

biophysical and social constraints and environmental design limit criteria. 

These alternatives are highlighted in Table 4-2 and shown in 

Figure 4-2. 

Table 4-2: Alternatives for identified so far 

Infrastructure Alternatives Comment 

Tailings storage 

facility 

Box 1: Overarching Design Principles 

• Risks and impacts should be avoided in the first instance but where avoidance is not 

possible, steps should be taken to reduce, restore, compensate/offset for adverse 

impacts on workers, affected stakeholders, and the environment. 

• Net positive impact. The overall effects of the mine should result in a net benefit to people and 

the environment. 

• Precautionary principle. If a decision or action risks harming people or the environment, in the 

absence of knowledge, then a cautious approach should be taken to allow for scientific 

investigations to proceed prior to the decision or action. This should be subject to identification 

and quantification of impacts and risks. 

• Eco-efficiency and resource use. Eco-efficiency is based on the concept of creating more 

goods and services while using fewer resources (energy, water, raw materials, biodiversity and 

land) and creating less waste and pollution. Critical aspects of eco-efficiency are a reduction in 

the material and energy intensity of goods or services, improved recyclability and reuse, 

optimised use of renewable resources, greater durability of products, increased service intensity 

of products and services and reduced dispersion of toxic materials. 

• Pollution and waste minimisation. Avoid generating pollution and waste in the first place and 

where this is not possible then implement principles of reducing, reusing and recycling. 

• Transparency in decision making. Decisions and actions of project decision makers are open 

to scrutiny by the project stakeholders. These stakeholders should have access to information 

in a timely manner to assist them in submitting comments and concerns on the project during 

public participation exercises. 

• Contractors, suppliers and materials stewardship. It is a life cycle based concept and 

includes activities and actions to improve both the upstream processes and downstream 

products and services in the value chain. It is built on the premise that the developer has a 

responsibility for the performance of the whole materials cycle. This principle promotes 

responsible design, use, re-use, recycling and disposal of materials used and produced. 

Although 12 locations have been 

investigated, 2 locations are preferred: 

• Option 1: East of plant area 

• Option 2: West of plant area 

Option 1 occurs in a steep sided valley on 

tailings material, that includes riparian habitat 

remnants and will require the diversion of a 

watercourse. It also occurs on a fault, which 

will require careful seismic and geotechnical 

investigation. 

Option 2 occurs on undisturbed forest far from 

the proposed plant. 





Return water 

dam 

Waste rock 

dump 

Three locations have been considered: 

• Option 1: North of the processing 

plant 

• Option 2: Downstream of the TSF 

Option 3: West of the plant area 

There are three options for waste rock 

disposal and usage: 

• Disposal on the designated site 

adjacent to the portal on the 

southern side 

• Codisposal with tailings as 

construction material 

• Construction of a noise barrier 

between the plant site and Nzebi 

Village 

Mine camp • Option 1: Surrounding Mbalamuno 

Village to the east 

• Option 2: Surrounding Mbalamuno 

Village to the south-west 

• Option 3: On top of Mbalanmuno 

Village 

Consideration will also be given to 

expanding the existing exploration camp. 

Other options being investigated are the 

type of accommodation to be provided, 

including portable, fixed or permanent 

accommodation 

Processing 

plant perimeter 

Main access 

road 

• Option 1: 300 m north of Nzebi 

Avenue Village 

• Option 2: Directly north of Nzebi 


• Option 1: Bypass Mongbwalu town to 

the south-west 

• Option 2: Go straight through 

Mongbwalu town 

Haul road • Option 1: Accessing the plant area 

from the east, away from Nzebi 


• Option 2: Accessing the plant area 

from the south, closer to Nzebi 


Road between 

plant area and 

mine camp 

• Option 1: South of plant area to 

south of the mine camp 

• Option 2: North-east of plant area to 

south-east of mine camp 

• Option 3: North-east of plant area to 

east of the mine camp 

Water supply Several options are being considered: 

• Springs: Most are utilized by 

community for drinking and domestic 

use 

• Mongbwalu Stream: Local miners 

depend on this source of water 

• TSF diversion trench: Spring water 

and storm water falling within the 

outer TSF catchment could 

potentially supply or partially supply 

Option 1 is undesirable due to its location on a 

fault and the permeability of the soils. 

Use of waste rock for construction of the 

tailings facility will minimise the footprint and 

impact of the waste rock dump, and could 

increase the stability of the TSF. The rock may 

also be required as a noise barrier, but the 

need for this will be investigated by the noise 

specialist study. 

Options 1, 2 and 3 would isolate the mine staff 

from Mongbwalu town and preclude 

community integration. Option 3 would involve 

both physical and economic displacement. 

There may not be enough area to expand the 

existing exploration camp. 

A buffer zone is required between the north of 

the village and the plant activities such as the 

crusher and milling activities. These are likely 

to generate noise and dust, and the noise and 

air quality specialist studies will advise on the 

distance once modelling is completed. 

Increased traffic and transporation of reagents 

and fuel through the Mongbwalu town would 

increase the community safety risks. 

Springs are used by the local community and 

this is therefore an undesirable source. There 

may not be sufficient groundwater for the initial 

start-up component of the mine and so a 

surface water resource may need to be 

identified. These currently include the Abode 

River, which has an existing servitude and 

pipelines used previously for mining water 

supply, and the Ituri River which would require 

the construction of a pipeline through intact 

forest. 





• 

water to the plant 

Adidi adit: This water could be used 

for underground mining 

• Boreholes: For domestic camp 

supply 

• Water from Abode River: Previous 

miners Kilo Moto used a pump 

station from Abode River for 

production use 

• Water from Ituri River:-Large source 

of good quality water within 8 km 

from site 

Energy supply • Hydropower from revamped Budana 

power station 

• Generators on site 

Waste disposal 

sites 

• Not yet determined 

Borrow pits for 

road 

maintenance 

• Not yet determined 

Transport • Air transport: Helicopter landing pad 

• Road transport: Personnel and 

supplies 

Mining method • Underground mining 

• Open pit mining 

Mining personel • Contractor mining 

• AGK mining 

Processing 

method 

Management 

hub and 

logistics 

• Flotation circuit for cyclone overflow 

• Carbon-in-Leach for cyclone 

overflow 

• On site at Mongbwalu 

• Bunia hub with personnel and 

supplies flown in or transported by 

road 

A long-term solution being considered is for 

hydropower from Budana which could have 

developmental spin-offs for local communities. 

Generators on site will generate greenhouse 

gas emissions. 

Both options may be required, and both have 

implications for community health and safety. 

The flight corridor is currently unknown and will 

need consideration from a noise and safety 

perspective. 

Underground mining will avoid and minimise 

many of the substantial impacts caused by 

open pit mining, such as resettlement and 

water management. 

• A Bunia hub may require reagent stores 

and management plans in place for 

hazardous chemicals such as cyanide. 




Figure 4-2: Alternatives for project infrastructure location 




A summary description of the affected environment is given in Table 4-3. Where regional 

information exists, this has also been presented to provide context. The information provided has 

been summarised from existing information available at the time of writing this report, and will be 

supplemented and updated during specialist investigations. 

Table 4-3: Current state of environment 

Environmental component Summary of the current state of environment 

Physical environment 

Climate 

• Cool to warm climate: average daily temperatures of 14 to 

29°C with little annual variation. 

• Average annual rainfall of 1,630 mm with January being 

the driest month and October the wettest month. 

• Thunderstorms occur frequently and most days experience 

some rainfall. 

• Wind direction is predominantly from the south. 

Topography 

Geology 

• Gentle to moderately steep undulating terrain at an 

average altitude of 1,250 m. 

• Seismicity is high as the project area is situated adjacent to 

the Eastern Rift Valley system. Several minor earthquakes 

occurring annually which are probably associated with 

movement on the Eastern Rift Valley system. 

• Located within the Kilo-Archaen granite-greenstone belt, 

which extends approximately 850 km west-northwest of 

Lake Albert. 

• This belt contains some of the richest gold deposits in the 

world. 

• Oldest known rocks are basement gneisses. 

• During the formation of the Eastern Rift Valley system 100- 

200 million years ago, north-south faults formed along 

which dolerite-lamprophyre dykes were intruded. There is 

also evidence of some younger faulting in the region. The 

area has undergone weak lateritic weathering to shallow 

depths. 

Soils and land capability • Soils of forested areas are typically acidic and nutrientpoor. 

• Soil is relatively homogenous across the project area. It 

has arable potential in some areas, but becomes less so in 

areas where grazing and artisanal mining activities occur. 

• Areas of substantially degraded soils are evident through 

previous mining and artisanal activities and current 

exploration.




Land use 

Air quality 

Surface water 

• Land uses include settlement, subsistence and small-scale 

farming, artisanal mining, degraded and primary forest, 

and grassland. 

• Multiple abandoned mines and infrastructure occur in and 

around Mongbwalu. 

• There is little industrial processing and commercial activity; 

thus, air quality is generally good. 

• Gas levels (sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide) are low and 

fall below DRC and international guideline levels. 

• The largest pollutant in the affected area is dust generated 

by traffic on roads and tracks, and windblown dust. 

• The Abode, Aruwimi and Ituri Rivers and their tributaries 

are major watercourses in the region, and numerous 

watercourses intersect the project area. 

• Locals depend largely on the numerous springs for 

domestic water supply, while artisanal miners divert 

watercourses and use water for mining activities. 

• Water quality is generally very poor around settlements 

and artisanal mining camps due to heavy sediment loads 

and bacterial contamination. Elevated metals are related to 

the high sediment loads and surprisingly low levels of 

arsenic and mercury exist. 

Groundwater • Preliminary groundwater level monitoring (since February 

2009) and analyses indicate that: 

� Water level gradients are approximately 8% to the east 

with a low point (drain/sink) occurring in the central part 

of the project area 

� No significant piezometric trends are apparent – these




Noise 

Biological environment 

Terrestrial biodiversity 14 

will develop as data records increase 

� Water levels are on average 10-30 m below surface 

� Local groundwater flow direction is similar to the 

surface catchment flow. 

• Noise levels during the day are dominated by noisy single 

events, such as motorcycles, people talking, children 

playing and shouting, other domestic noise sources and 

natural sounds. During the night crickets and frogs 

determine noise levels. 

• The measured ambient noise levels range between 

approximately 45 dBA and 55 dBA, although the results 

also indicate that the actual background noise level, i.e. 

without the noisy single events, could be very much lower. 

• The hilly topography will provide effective screening 

against noise propagation and result in localised impacts 

around mining activities. 

• The project area falls within Equatorial/Tropical Rainforest 

biome. 

• The immediate project site has been largely deforested 

through previous mining activities and settlement although 

small isolated patches of forest remain. 

• Grasslands areas exist and consist of Acacia trees, 

Baobabs, Bermuda grass, Jackal Berry trees and other 

species. 

• In the forested areas from the project site, large broadleafed 

evergreen trees are widespread, e.g. African 

mahogany and Iroko. Ferns, banana palms, and moss 

cover the ground bellow the canopy trees. Flowering plants 

include orchids, lilies and lobelias. 

• The project is located approximately 30 km east of the 

boundary of the Ituri-Epulu-Aru Landscape, a priority 

conservation area of the Congo Basin Forest 

Partnership 15 . The landscape is highly diverse and 

contains several species of rare primates, insects, birds 

(such as the Blue Touraco, Congo Peahen and Emerald 

Starling), mammals (elephants, buffalos, antelopes, and 

wild pigs). 

• The Landscape includes the Okapi Faunal Reserve, the 

closest protected area to the project. One of the unique 

mammal species here is the Okapi, a relative of the 

Giraffe. The largest population of wild Okapi occurs in 

these forests and the species is threatened by habitat 

destruction and poaching. 

• Biodiversity of the area is under pressure as mining and 

human populations increase. Many species have already 

The forests provide important ecosystem services and the 

14 Information on terrestrial biodiversity has been taken from AGA’s DRC Country Report (AngloGold 

Ashanti (2008). DRC Country Report. Available from www.anglogoldashanti,com). 

15 www.cbfp.org




Aquatic biodiversity 

Sensitive environments 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Centre 

Social environment 

Villages, communities and dwellings 

16 www.whc.unesco.org 

17 www.birdlife.org 

18 AGA (2008a) 

Mbuti people rely on the services for their livelihoods (food, 

shelter, fuel, cultural value and medicines). 

• Most watercourses in the project area are heavily 

degraded with high sediment loads through artisanal 

mining and thus aquatic ecosystem integrity is low. 

Invertebrates are mostly completely absent or shelting in 

marginal vegetation. Few fish exist except small generalist 

species. 

• Several wetland areas exist along watercourses, some of 

which are filled with tailings material from previous mining 

activities. 

• The project area is located 8 km from the Ituri River: 

� There are high levels of biodiversity in parts of the river 

that flow through the Ituri forest, with a range of aquatic 

plant, animal and insect species occurring 

� Several endangered aquatic fauna such as the African 

spotted-neck otter, occur 

� Water quality is generally good in dense forested 

areas; however, quality decreases as river flows into 

settled areas. 

• No known protected areas exist in the immediate project 

area.The project area is located about 100 km to east of 

the Okapi Faunal Reserve: 

� Designated as a World Heritage Site in Danger 16 , an 

Important Birding Area 17 and a Key Biodiversity Area 

� 10,000 km 2 in size containing approximately 15 species 

of primates 18 

� Forms part of the Ituri Forests, which are sensitive to 

habitat change, such as illegal logging, mining related 

activities, and the Bushmeat industry 

� Indigenous People (the Mbuti), one of the oldest tribes 

in Congolese Africa, live in the Ituri forests. They are 

believed to be one of the only cultures to maintain a 

pure subsistence, tribal lifestyle. 

• Mongbwalu town has an estimated population of 41,770 

people consisting of Bantu, Nilothic, Sudanese and Mbuti. 

• Surrounding population comprises 85,000 people of which 

there are less than 15 tribal groups mainly Hema, Lendu, 

Nyali, Alur, Bira, Nande, Nanole and Lese. 

• Main religions in the area include Roman Catholic, Muslim, 

Protestant and Pentacostal. 

• Common languages include Swahili, Lingala, Kilendu, 

Kimbuti and French. 

• Mongbwalu is the main economic centre in the project 

area; many people are self employed. 

• Dwellings are constructed from available resources 

including reed, timber and corrugated iron. Other 

dwellings, particularly those in central Mongbwalu are 

more solid (bricks and mortar) but small and without proper 

sanitary facilities. 

• Mongbwalu is divided into the following quartiers: Kilo 

Moto, Depot, Shun I, Shun II, Zubula, Baru and DC VI. 

Villages (which are known as Avenues) within the Cite du 

Mongbwalu fall within the following Groupements: 

Mablindey, Wazabo and Tchibitchibi. Nzebi, Mabalindey,




Chief and local enforcing authorities 

Income sources 

Education 

Mbalamuno, Masisi, and Pluto Mine Villages are in 

Mabalindey Groupement. Pluto Yalala falls within 

Tchibitchibi Groupement. Each village has an 

administration chief, who reports to the Chef de Quartier 

(Mayor) 19 . 

• The Orientale Province, Ituri District and Mongbwalu 

Village administration oversee the governance of the 

Mongbwalu area. 

• Local enforcing authorities include the Ministries of 

Planning, Mines, Finance, Interior, and Labour. 

• Decisions are made by the Chef de Groupement who 

consults with the Traditional Judge (Griffier) who presides 

over a local court. The Chef de Groupement is advised by 

a group of Councilors made up of five members and a 

group of elders made up of men and women. The Chef is 

nominated annually by the elders. The traditional judge is 

nominated by the Chef. Conflicts are first attempted to be 

resolved at the village level, then Groupement level and if 

that also fails it is referred to the police. The Chef de 

Groupement reports to the Mayor. Taxes are collected 

from villagers under the jurisdiction of the Chef de 

Groupement by the traditional judge. 20 

• Primary income source is artisanal mining (estimated at 

75%). 

• Other sources of income include small-scale commercial 

farming activities, traditional subsistence farming, 

commerce (trading and vendors), small-scale forestry and 

current road maintenance program, which has provided 

multiple jobs to the community. 

• Conflicts often arise between artisanal miners and farmers 

as a result of gold being found in agricultural fields. Miners 

pay compensation to farmers, the amount of which is 

negotiated between the different parties under the 

guidance of the village chief 21 . 

• Approximately 70% of women in Mongbwalu town are 

engaged in small businesses; with 18% being involved in 

health and education. An unknown number of women are 

involved in artisanal mining and prostitution. 

• There are three types of schools in Mongbwalu: 

� Catholic – these are managed by the church and the 

State pays for teachers’ salaries; 

� Private – these are managed by private enterprises, 

which also pays teachers’ salaries; and 

� NGO – Save the Children manages a school for street 

children and pupils do not pay fees. 

• On average there are more boys than girls attending 

school in the area, with most of the schools being overcrowed 

(45 pupils per class). 

• Mongbwalu has the lowest education rate in the region as 

a result of a large number of children working as artisanal 

miners. 

• There are many situations in which young men have 

acquired university degrees, but resort to ASM as a 

primary livelihood activity. 

19 This information comes from Key Informant Interviews during the socio-economic baseline fieldwork (Van 

Vlaenderen and Reilly (2010a). Key Informant Interview with Agricultural Department HOD). 

20 This information comes from Key Informant Interviews during the socio-economic baseline fieldwork (Van 

Vlaenderen and Reilly (2010a). Key Informant Interview with Agricultural Department HOD). 

21 Van Vlaenderen and Reilly (2010a)




Health status and access to health 22 

Livelihoods and economic activities 

Transport 

• There is one main hospital in the area which is poorly 

equipped with medical facilities. It has 120 beds, and is 

understaffed. 

• Common diseases in the area include malaria, diarrhea, 

sexually-transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis. 

There are no official statistics on HIV/AIDS in Mongbwalu, 

but 70% of the blood donated to the local clinic was found 

to be HIV positive 23 . 

• Many artisanal miners suffer from respiratory diseases. 

• Some epidemic outbreaks include meningitis, cholera and 

the bubonic plague. Water-borne diseases are linked to 

high water pollution levels due to artisanal mining in the 

area, which leaves water to stagnate and become polluted. 

Another growing waterborne disease present in 

Mongbwalu and other mining areas is Schistasomiasis. 

• Conflict over mineral resources in the Ituri Province has left 

people impoverished and reliant on subsistence farming 

and mining to sustain themselves. 

• The presence of minerals and international investors has 

resulted in the widespread use of the US Dollar as a 

means of monetary exchange along with the Congolese 

franc 24 . 

• Although there is a flourishing informal economy in 

Mongbwalu, there is very little formal economic activity and 

as a result, the town has a high formal unemployment rate, 

underdevelopment and conflict. 

• Main economic activity is artisanal gold mining – 

approximately 100,000 miners are currently informally 

employed 25 . 

• Commercial, animal husbandry and farming make up the 

next largest economic activities but trade and transport 

remain important economic sectors. 

• Presence of nomadic miners in the region encourages 

small kiosks, restaurants and bars, most of which are 

unregistered and fall into the informal sector. 

• Prostitution continues to be a significant economic 

activity 26 . 

• Mongbwalu’s most important and well established 

transport infrastructure is the Bunia-Mongbwalu road, 

which was upgraded in 2008. The road has aided in the 

transport of goods and people, having converted a 3-day 

drive into a 3-hour drive. 

• Other existing roads are generally dirt roads and badly 

maintained. 

• Air travel remains the most efficient method of travel into 

the region and chartered planes have access to an airstrip 

in Mongbwalu. 

• There are currently no rail routes into Mongbwalu, nor are 

any in close proximity 27 . 

Restricted areas 28 • AGK holds mining permits for a 6,000 km 2 area (the Kilo 

22 

Information on education and health has been taken from the pre-feasibility done on hydro-geology at 

Mongbwalu (AngloGold Ashanti (2010). Mongbwalu hydrogeology pre-feasibility RFP). 

23 

CAFOD (2010) 

24 

AGA (2008b) 

25 

AGK (2010) 

26 

www.congoforum.be 

27 

www.unicef.org




Archaeology and heritage sites 

Regional Exploration area) within the formerly known 

Concession 40. 

• Tribal land rights exist and may contain restricted areas. 

• The presence of militant groups who base themselves in 

the forests around Mongbwalu have lead to informally 

restricted areas and formal safety restrictions by officials 

for people living and working in the region. 

• No protected areas fall within the project area. 

• Several cemeteries and sacred trees are located in the 

directly impacted area. 

• The nature of archaeological finds attests to human 

occupation from the Stone Age through the Iron Age and 

Historical Period. Mining was thought to have occurred in 

the area as early as the late Bronze Age. 

• There are over 50 archaeological sites in the Ituri Forest, 

some of which indicate that the earliest inhabitants of the 

forest lived as far back as the Pleistocene and Holocene 

periods. One of the earliest hunter-gatherer ethnic groups 

was the Mbuti people, thought to be the oldest remaining 

tribal dwellers in Africa. The Ituri District is thought to be 

home to 40,000 Mbuti people living off the land in small 

tribal bands of between 10-70 people. 

5 Key issues raised by stakeholders 

A summary of the issues and concerns raised by stakeholders during the public consultation and 

disclosure process, the focus group and key informant interviews as part of the social studies, and the 

Ministry of Environment site visit, are summarised in Table 5-1. The table includes a description of 

the issue, who it was raised by and how the project is responding or will respond to the issue. 

Minutes of public meetings are attached in Appendix D. Overall, the key issues and concerns raised 

by the stakeholders were related to: 

• employment; 

• community engagement; 

• currernt impacts and compensation; 

• economic and physical displacement; and 

• infrastructure and social development needs. 

The fear that the unstable and complex social situation may negatively affect the outcome of the 

project also featured prominently during several discussions. 

28 

Information has been taken from AGA’s DRC Country Report (AngloGold Ashanti (2008). DRC Country 

Report).



Table 5-1: Summary of issues and concerns raised during public consultation and 

disclosure and social studies 

Issue Issue raised by Project response 

Surface and Groundwater 

Contamination of water 

sources by artisanal mining 

and AGK activities 

Affected communities, AGK 

employees, civil society, 

traditional authorities 

Air Quality 

Dust and general air quality Affected communities and civil 

society 

Socio-economics 

Resettlement of households 

including disturbance of 

sacred sites and impacts on 

existing livelihoods 

Economic displacement of 

artisanal miners 

Affected communities, civil 

society, traditional authorities, 

OKIMO, AGK employees, 

local government 

representatives 


society, traditional authorities, 

OKIMO, AGK employees, 

local government 

representatives 

Surface and ground water specialist studies 

are being undertaken as part of the EIS. 

These studies will determine the state of 

existing water through a ground and surface 

water monitoring programme that started in 

June 2010, as well as the potential impact of 

the project on water quality and water 

availability. The EMPP will include 

management measures for water and a water 

management plan will compiled. 

An air quality specialist study is being 

undertaken to determine the current baseline 

air quality through a monitoring programme 

that started in June 2010. It will also 

determine potential impact of the project on air 

quality for particulates and gases. The EMPP 

will include management measures for air 

quality. 

There are several studies being undertaken 

and plans compiled to address this issue. 

Studies include social, cultural heritage 

baseline and impact assessments, and 

studies on indigenous peoples and 

resettlement. As part of the EMPP a 

Resettlement Policy Framework will be 

developed to guide detailed resettlement 

planning should it be necessary. 

The Resettlement Policy Framework will guide 

management of economic displacement. The 

framework will be informed by an Artisanal 

and Small Scale Mining Plan that will guide 

interaction and engagement with artisanal 

miners. 

Job opportunities All AGK should place an emphasis on creating 

local job and entrepreneurial opportunities, but 

will also be careful not to create a 

dependency culture. The EMPP will include a 

Sustainable Development Plan which will aim 

to ensure that communities derive benefits 

from the project in terms of skills development 

and local procurement programmes. 

Gender and vulnerable 

people issues 

Potential infrastructure 

development 

Civil society The social specialist studies will identify 

vulnerable groups within the project area and 

ensure that they are included in the 

engagement activties. The studies will 

determine potential impacts and management 

measures to ensure vulnerable groups are not 

adversely affected. 

Civil society, forum, affected 

communities 

Many requests were made by stakeholders for 

AGK to assist with building schools and 

hospitals, paying of teachers’ salaries, 

refurbishing local and regional roads and 

supplying sporting facilities, potable water and 

electricity. 

These expectations are linked to the legacy of 

OKIMO and KIMIN. The Stakeholder 




Impacts on indigenous 

people 


Stakeholder and Community 

Engagement 

Increasing engagement and 

information sharing with 

communities; current 

grievances regarding 

exploration activities 

Disclosure and transparency 

of the AGK Mining Contract 

Environmental Impact Study process 

Details on the EIS scope of 

work 


society 

Affected communities and 

artisanal miners 

Engagement Plan and EMPP will address 

expectation management as a key risk to the 

project. 

Numerous studies in the EIS will examine 

indigenous peoples issues. An Indigenous 

Peoples’ specialist study is being undertaken 

that will identify and examine Mbuti 

settlements and use of resources in the 

project area. In addition the study will 

determine potential project impacts on the 

Mbuti and mechanisms to avoid and minimise 

these project impacts. An Indigenous Peoples 

Plan will be included in the EMPP. 

The Stakeholder Engagement Plan will 

identify appropriate engagement methods to 

ensure Mbuti communities are engaged 

during the life of mine. 

AGK is committed to community engagement 

and building relationships with local 

communities and other stakeholders. It 

recognises the rights of communities to have 

a say in decisions and activities that affect 

their lives, and it recognises its responsibility 

in facilitating the engagement. It also 

recognises its responsibility in managing its 

past, current and future impacts proactively. 

A Stakeholder Engagement Plan is being 

developed as part of the EMPP that will guide 

consultation and engagement throughout the 

life of the project. This will need to be 

supplemented with a plan for exploration 

activities. 

AGK will compile and implement a Mitigation 

and Rehabilitation Plan for managing 

exploration impacts, and this will include 

appropriate grievance and compensation 

procedures. Stakeholders will be given an 

opportunity to review and comment on the 

plans to be developed. 

Civil society Non-disclosure of the Mining Lease 

Agreement is noted as a stakeholder concern. 

AGK and the DRC are members of the 

Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. 

While AGK itself is willing to disclose the 

contract to stakeholders, a confidentiality 

clause within the contract prevents it from 

doing so. AGK has formally responded to 

concerns raised by civil society on contract 

disclosure. 

Civil Society The EIS comprises a series of specialist 

studies which will examine potential project 

impacts some of which include socioeconomics, 

surface and groundwater, air 

quality indigenous peoples, human rights, and 

artisanal mining. These studies will make 

recommendations to address potential 

impacts and will provide a management 

framework (EMPP) for addressing impacts. 

This report has been compiled to provide 

stakeholders with an opportunity to review the 

scope of the EIS, and provide comments on 





Use of local expertise and 

fieldworkers 

SRK’s independence and 

objectivity 

Responsibility for liabilities 

related to past mining activity 

Employment equity and labour laws 

Adherence to the Labour 

Code 

Final payments to ex- KIMIN 

and OKIMO employees 

Mining infrastructure 

Details on the location of the 

proposed mine; underground 

versus open pit mining. 

Compensation 

Inadequate compensation for 

current impacts from 

the approach. 

Civil society Where possible SRK has and will continue to 

use local expertise. While SRK’s local DRC 

office is partnering in the project, the following 

components are using local expertise: public 

consultation and translation; socio-economic 

baseline studies; water sampling and 

hydrocensus; cultural heritage fieldwork, air 

quality monitoring, and terrestrial biodiversity. 

Civil society SRK is committed to maintaining its 

independence and is registered with the DRC 

government as an accredited environmental 

consultant. During the EIS process SRK will 

maintain open communication channels with 

stakeholders who will be encouraged to 

contact SRK via email and telephone or 

through comment boxes. Stakeholders will be 

given an opportunity to review and comment 

on the EIS documentation at regular interval 

during the process. 

Ministry of Environment 

delegation 

AGK employees and civil 

society 

AGK will undertake a liability assessment to 

determine the liability for past mining activity. 

The specialists studies and monitoring 

programmes in the EIS will be quantifying the 

baseline environment and this will provide an 

understanding of the state of the environment 

prior to project development. 

AGK is currently reviewing existing 

employment contracts to ensure adherence to 

DRC labour law. 

All This falls outside of the scope of the EIS, but 

AGK, in consultation with the Congolese 

Government, is exploring mechanisms to 

address this outstanding issue. Once 

recommendations have been formulated, 

AGK will communitcate these to relevant 

stakeholders. 

All While the feasibility study is still underway, 

this report includes a map and description of 

the latest proposed locations of project 

infrastructure. Stakeholders are invited to 

review the proposal and provide comment or 

raise concerns about it. Stakeholders should 

also suggest alternatives to the proposals, 

which will be noted and conveyed to the 

feasibility team for consideration. 

AGK notes that stakeholders welcome the 

plan for underground mining. However, the 

possibility exists in future for open pit mining 

to be developed. This option does not form 

part of this project and may be the subject of 

further feasibility work by AGK in the future. 

Should an additional mining proposal be 

generated in future, a revised EIS and EMPP 

will be required, and this will include a 

comprehensive stakeholder engagement 

process. 

Civil society, affected 

communities 

As a result of AGK’s exploration programme 

people are compensated for lost livelihood 





exploration assets including cash crops and trees. AGK 

will review its existing compensation process 

and develop a formal compensation policy 

and procedure that is informed by 

international best practice. 

AGK will also compile and implement a 

Mitigation and Rehabilitation Plan for 

managing exploration impacts, and this will 

include appropriate grievance and 

compensation procedures. Stakeholders will 

be given an opportunity to review and 

comment on the plans to be developed. 

6 Anticipated environmental and social issues 

Potential issues identified during screening and scoping associated with the project are summarised 

in Table 6-1. These issues cover all phases of the mine, including pre-construction, construction, 

operation, and closure. Comments on how the issue is to be investigated and requirements for further 

work, including management plans are also given. While all issues will require management 

measures, and these will be specified in the EMPP, several will require more detailed management 

plans. These are listed in the final column of the table, required by DRC legislation or by their 

importance in the project context. Refer to Section 7.6 for a proposed EIS and EMPP report contents 

and structure and Section 7.3 and Appendix F for details on the specialist investigations and TORs. 




Table 6-1: Summary of potential aspects and issues associated with the Mongbwalu project including specialist investigations and 

management plans 


Land transformation 

• Surface disturbance and 

clearing 

• Topographic change 

• Rehabilitation 

Further investigation and 

specialist studies 29 

Physical displacement of local communities • Socio-economics 

• Resettlement study 

Economic displacement – loss of livelihoods for 

artisanal miners; 

Loss of livelihoods and ecosystem services for 

indigenous peoples and others 

Loss of biodiversity and/or ecological function 

through deforestation and wetland conversion 

Disturbance of sites of archaeological, historic or 

cultural interest including grave sites 

Conflict arising from displacement and increased 

competition for natural resources 

• Socio-economics 

• Artisanal and small-scale 

mining 

• Resettlement study 


• Indigenous peoples 

• Terrestrial and aquatic 

biodiversity 


biodiversity 

• Cultural heritage 


Management Plan as part of the EMPP 30 

• Management measures in the EMPP 

• Resettlement Policy Framework 

• Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining 

Management Plan 



• Indigenous Peoples Plan 






• Conflict and human rights • Conflict and Human Rights Plan 

Diversion of surface water drainage • Integrated water • Water Management Plan 

Loss of agriculturally productive land • Soils and land capability • Management measures in the EMPP 

• Closure and Rehabilition Plan 

Erosion by water and wind • Soils and land capability • Management measures in the EMPP 


29 Refer to Appendix F for detailed Terms of Reference for the specialist studies. 

30 While all issues will require management measures, and these will be specified in the EMPP, several will require more detailed management plans. These are listed in this column. 

Refer to Section 7.6 for a proposed EIS and EMPP report contents and structure. 





Energy 

Consumption 

• Diesel consumption 

• Hydropower 

Water use • Abstraction of 

ground/surface water 

• Dewatering of the mine 

workings 

• Storage 

Releases to 

water 

• Point sources 

• Seepage 

• Runoff 

Releases to air • Vehicle emissions 

• Stack emissions 




Hazardous excavations and structures • Soils and land capability • Management measures in the EMPP 


Change in visual character • Visual • Management measures in the EMPP 

Improved land condition after rehabilitation and 

management 

• Soils and land capability • Management measures in the EMPP 


Greenhouse gas and particulate emissions • Climate and air quality study • Management measures in the EMPP 

Improved energy access and security for local 

communities 

Changes in the hydrological regime due to 

abstraction and consequent effects on other water 

users including ecological requirements 

Reduced availability of water to other water users 

due to dewatering of the mine workings 

Deterioration of water quality and impairment of 

aquatic ecosystems 

• Social baseline and impact 

assessment 

• Integrated water 



• Water Management Plan 

• Integrated water • Management measures in the EMPP 


• Aquatic biodiversity 


Acid rock drainage, heavy metals and cyanide • Waste geochemistry 


Exposure to polluted water in dirty water holding 

facilities 

Loss of land capability and biodiversity through 

contamination 





• Cyanide Management Plan 

• Emergency Preparedness and Response 

Plan 

• Integrated water • Management measures in the EMPP 


• Soils and land capability • Management measures in the EMPP 


Nuisance dust • Climate and air quality • Management measures in the EMPP 

Health impacts associated with deterioration in air • Health • Community Health and Safety Plan 





• Fugitive dust 

• Generator emissions 

Other releases • Equipment noise 

• Blasting noise 

• Odour 

• Fly rock 

• Vibration 

• Light 

Waste production 

(other than 

tailings and waste 

rock) 

• Domestic 

• Construction 

• Hazardous 

• Industrial 

• Electronic 

Incidents • Slope failure through 

geological instability 

• Explosion or fire 

quality – dust, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrous oxides 

(NOx), cyanide, carbon monoxide (CO) and 

carbon dioxide (CO2) and other particulates 

Cyanide release from processing plant and in 

tailings material 

Transboundary impacts – acid precipitation (SO2 

and NOx) and climate change (CO2 and NOx) 

Impacts on biodiversity arising from dust fall out • Terrestrial and aquatic 

biodiversity 

• Climate and air quality 

Reduced visibility resulting from particulate and 

dust emissions 




• Climate and air quality • Management measures in the EMPP 

• Feasibility study • Cyanide Management Plan 


Plan 

• Climate and air quality • Management measures in the EMPP 


• Visual 



Disturbing noise • Noise • Management measures in the EMPP 

Damage to structures by air blast and ground 

vibrations 

• Blasting and vibrations • Management measures in the EMPP 

Exposure to fly rock from blasting • Blasting and vibrations • Management measures in the EMPP 

Waste management • Management measures in the EMPP 

Contamination of soil and/or water • Soils and land capability • Management measures in the EMPP 

Pests and problem animals • Management measures in the EMPP 

Slope failure at the tailings storage facility and 

return water dam 

• Feasibility study seismicity 

and geotechnical studies 

(not directly part of the EIS) 


Plan 

Slope failure at rock dump or ore stockpiles • Feasibility study • Emergency Preparedness and Response 





Job creation and 

stimulation of 

economic growth 

Investment in 

improved well 

• Spills 

• Vehicle accidents 

• Off site activity (vehicles 

travelling off road, 

hunting) 

• Structural collapse of 

underground workings 

• Flooding 

• Exposure to hazardous 

substances 

• Employment 

• Training 

• Capital investment 

• Payment of tax & levies 

• Consumable purchases 

• Non-core activity 

outsourcing 

• Development/ 

improvement of 




Explosion or fire • Emergency Preparedness and Response 

Plan 

Spills of reagents, petrochemicals or other 

chemicals 

GIBS/BEAT G:\414878_ AGA ESHIA EAP\7REPORTS\Terms of Reference\Draft for Public Disclosure\Final draft\Draft Terms of Reference Report (September 2010).docx September 2010 

Plan 


Plan 


Vehicle accidents/ road hazards • Transportation • Emergency Preparedness and Response 

Plan 

• Community Health and Safety Plan 

Disturbance of plant and animals habitats and 

populations by off-road activity 

Safety of workers and land users associated with 

underground mining 

Job creation • Socio-economics 

• Regional economics 

Skills acquisition • Socio-economics 


Revenue generation (improved economy) • Socio-economics 


Multiplier effects (improved economy) • Socio-economics 


Government income • Socio-economics 


Sustainable economic development • Socio-economics 


Improved infrastructure and services (water, 

electricity, transport routes, administration, 

• Terrestrial biodiversity • Closure and Rehabilitation Plan 

• Feasibility study • Emergency Preparedness and Response 

Plan 



• Sustainable Development Plan 







• Sustainable Development Plan




being of people infrastructure 

Aspects with 

negative socioeconomic 

consequences 

• Service provision 

• Population influx 

• Disturbance of lifestyle 

and livelihood activities 

• Vehicles and transport 

Closure • Retrenchment 

• Closure of the mine 

housing, health care, sewage and waste 

management) 



Social ills (crime, alcohol abuse, prostitution) • Socio-economics 

Pressure on existing resources, infrastructure and 

services 

Health deterioration resulting from an increased 

risk of exposure to disease e.g. HIV/AIDS 

Deterioration in health and/ or well being due to 

disturbance of livelihood activities 



• Health 


• Health 

Marginalisation of indigenous peoples • Socio-economics 


Conflict and human rights particularly related to 

artisanal miners or economic displacement 

Biodiversity loss through bushmeat trade and 

deforestation 


• Artisanal and small-scale 

mining 

• Conflict and human rights 

Community safety along roads • Transportation 

• Health 







• Conflict and Human Rights Plan 

• Artisanal and Small Scale Mining Plan 

• Terrestrial biodiversity • Management measures in the EMPP 


Job loss and unemployment • Socio-economics • Closure and Rehabilitation Plan 

Retraining and skills development • Socio-economics • Closure and Rehabilitation Plan 

Crash in the economy (locally and possibly 

regionally) due to forced or premature closure 

• Socio-economics • Closure and Rehabilitation Plan 


Closure liability and rehabilitation planning • Socio-economics • Closure and Rehabilitation Plan 




7 Approach to impact assessment 

7.1 Process and timeline 

The proposed assessment and public consultation process, and the associated timeline are shown in 

Figure 7-1. The assessment process to be followed is geared to ensure that it complies with the DRC 

regulatory requirements and the AGA standards, and aligns with the sentiments and principles of 

international standards. 

Figure 7-1: Environmental impact study process and schedule 




7.2 Alternatives analysis 

Section 4.2.2 describes the various alternatives being considered for the project design. These will 

continue to be assessed by the EIS team and specialists using a multi-criteria evaluation approach to 

score alternatives. Fatal flaws and critical decision factors will be identified for each alternative 

where appropriate. 

7.3 Specialist studies and team 

In response to the issues identified during screening and scoping, a number of specialist studies are 

being undertaken as part of the EIS process. These include a range of biophysical and social studies. 

The detailed specialists’ TOR are provided in Appendix F. Specialist team leaders are listed in Table 

7-1. It should be noted that SRK has recognised the need to involve local DRC specialists and 

fieldworkers in the specialist teams and has done so wherever possible. In addition to the EIS and 

EMPP specialist studies, additional studies are being undertaken to determine strategies for 

managing complex issues over the entire Kilo Regional Exploration area. These studies are being led 

by Synergy Global Consulting for AGA and are closely linked with the EIS process. The results of 

these studies relevant to this project will be incorporated into the EIS and EMPP documentation. 

Table 7-1: Details of specialist team leaders 

Specialist study Name Organisation Highest qualification 

Specialists (team leaders) – Biophysical 

Climate and air 

quality 31 

Vis Reddy SRK MSc (Environmental Chemistry); PrSciNat 32 

Integrated water study 

Hydrology Peter 

Shepherd 

SRK BScHons (Hydrology); PrSciNat 

Hydrogeology Diane Duthe SRK MSc (Hydrogeology); PrSciNat 

Water quality John Cowan SRK BScHons (Chemistry); PrSciNat 

Soils and land 

capability 

James Lake SRK MSc (Geochemistry); PrSciNat 

Waste geochemistry James Lake SRK MSc (Geochemistry); PrSciNat 

Terrestrial and aquatic Dr Mark GroundTruth PhD (Aquatic Biology); PrSciNat 

ecology 

Graham 

Noise Francois Acoustic BScEng; PrEng 

Malherbe Consulting cc 

Visual Margaret 

Beater 

SRK MSc (Environmental Science) 

Blasting and vibrations 

Specialists – Social 

Adriaan 

Meintjies 

SRK MSc (Eng) (Soil Mechanics); PrEng 

Social 33 Tim Hart SRK MA (Human Geography) 

Tandi Reilly SRK MA (Sociology) 

Hilde van Independent PhD (Psychology) 

31 

Monthly air and water quality monitoring commenced in June 2010 and is being undertaken by local AGK 

employees and NGOs who were trained by SRK. The Mongbwalu Environmental Manager will supervise 

monitoring activities for the duration of the EIS and thereafter. 

32 

Registered Professional Natural Scientist with the South African Council for Natural Scientific 

Professionals. 

33 

The social baseline fieldwork team was coordinated by Esperanza Mamba Agenorwoth and includes nine 

fieldworkers from Mongbwalu. 




Specialist study Name Organisation Highest qualification 

Cultural heritage Dr Alexandre 

Smith 

Professor 

Donatien 

Muya wa 

Bitanko 

Transportation Mike van 

Tonder 

Vlaenderen consultant, 

France 

Section de PhD (Archaeology) 

Préhistoire 

Musée royal de 

l’Afrique 

central, 

Belgium 

Lubumbashi PhD (Archaeology) 

University, 

National 

Museum 

Aurecon BScEng; PrEng 

Health Dr Mark Divall Newfields MBChB 

Specialists – AGK Kilo Regional Exploration area-wide studies 

Overall coordinator Paul Kapelus Synergy MA (Anthropology) 

Indigenous peoples Dr Graeme 

Rodgers 

Synergy PhD 

Joseph Njuma Synergy MA 

Land and resettlement Michael Steyn Intersocial LLB/ MBA 

Anna Dunets rePlan Meng (Environmental Engineering) 

Artisanal and small Estelle Levin Estelle Levin MA (Geography) 

scale mining 

Limited 

Alain Chugri Estelle Levin 

Limited 

Diploma in computer sciences 

Local and regional Nicholas Resource MSc (Development Management) 

economics 

Garret 

Development 

Consultants 

Conflict and human 

rights 

Emily Keeble Synergy MA (Political Science) 

7.4 Impact assessment method 

The specialists will identify, define and evaluate project impacts as part of their studies. The core 

environmental assessment team (refer to Table 7-5) will then review and integrate the specialist 

findings into the main EIS and EMPP report. 

The basic elements to be used in the evaluation of impact significance are described in Table 7-2 and 

the characteristics that will be used to describe impacts are outlined in Table 7-3. 




Table 7-2: Key elements in the evaluation of impact significance 

Element Description 

Consequence An impact or effect can be described as the change in an 

environmental parameter, which results from a particular 

project activity or intervention. Here, the term “consequence” 

refers to: 

• The sensitivity of the receiving environment, including its 

capacity to accommodate the kinds of changes the project 

may bring about; 

• The type of change and the key characteristics of the 

change (these are magnitude, extent and duration); and 

• The importance of the change (the level of public concern/ 

value attached to environment by the stakeholders and the 

change effected by the project). 

The following will be considered in the determination of impact 

consequence: 

• Standards and guidelines (e.g. emission or pollution 

thresholds); 

• Scientific evidence and professional judgement; 

• Points of reference from comparable cases; and 

• Levels of stakeholder concern. 

Questions applied to 

the test of 

significance 

Will there be a change in 

the biophysical and/or 

social environment? 

Is the change of 

consequence (of any 

importance)? 

Probability Likelihood/ chances of an impact occurring. Is the change likely to 

occur? 

Effectiveness of the 

management 

measures 

Uncertainty/ 

Confidence 

Significance of the impact will be determined both without and 

with management measures. 

The significance of the unmanaged impact will be determined 

so there is an appreciation of what could occur in the absence 

of management measures and of the effectiveness of the 

proposed management measures. 

Uncertainty in impact prediction and the effectiveness of the 

proposed management measures. Sources of uncertainty in 

impact prediction include: 

• Scientific uncertainty – limited understanding of an 

ecosystem (or affected stakeholders) and the processes 

that govern change; 

• Data uncertainty – restrictions introduced by incomplete, 

contradictory or incomparable information, or by insufficient 

measurement techniques; and 

• Policy uncertainty – unclear or disputed objectives, 

standards or guidelines. 

Will the management 

measures reduce impact 

to an acceptable level? 

What is the degree of 

confidence in the 

significance ascribed to 

the impact? 

Table 7-3: Characteristics used to describe impacts and impact consequence 

Characteristics used to 

describe consequence 

Sub-components Terms used to describe the characteristic 

Type Biophysical, social or economic 

Nature Direct or indirect, cumulative etc 

Status Positive (a benefit), negative (a cost) or neutral 

Phase of project 

During pre-construction (if applicable), construction, 

operation, decommissioning or post closure 

Timing Immediate, delayed 

Magnitude Sensitivity of the receiving High, medium or low sensitivity 




environment/ receptors Low capacity to accommodate the change (impact)/ 

tolerant of the proposed change 

Severity/ intensity (degree of 

change measured against thresholds 

and/or professional judgment) 

Level of stakeholder concern 

Spatial extent or population affected 

The area/population affected by the impact 

The boundaries at local and regional extents will be 

different for biophysical and social impacts. 

Duration (and reversibility) 

Length of time over which an impact occurs and potential 

for recovery of the endpoint from the impact 

Gravity/ seriousness of the impact 

Intensity/ influence/ power/ strength 

High, medium or low levels of concern 

All or some stakeholders are concerned about the 

change 

Area/ volume covered, distribution, population 

Site/Local (social impacts should distinguish 

between site and local), regional, national or 

international 

Short term, long term 

Intermittent, continuous 

Reversible/ irreversibility 

Temporary, permanent 

Confidence High, Medium, Low 

Impacts will then be rated using the significance rating system presented in Table 7-4. The rating 

system will involve four parts: 

• Part A: Defines impact consequence using the three primary impact characteristics of magnitude, 

spatial scale and duration; 

• Part B: Uses the matrix to determine a rating for impact consequence based on the definitions 

identified in Part A; 

• Part C: Uses the matrix to determine the impact significance rating, which is a function of the 

impact consequence rating (from Part B) and the probability of occurrence; and 

• Part D: Defines the Confidence level. 

Table 7-4: Method for rating the significance of impacts 

PART A: DEFINING CONSEQUENCE IN TERMS OF MAGNITUDE, DURATION AND SPATIAL SCALE 

Use these definitions to define the consequence in Part B 

Impact 

characteristics 

Definition Criteria 

Substantial deterioration or harm to receptors; receiving environment has 

Major 

an inherent value to stakeholders; receptors of impact are of conservation 

importance; or identified threshold often exceeded 

Moderate/measurable deterioration or harm to receptors; receiving 

Moderate environment moderately sensitive; or identified threshold occasionally 

exceeded 

Minor deterioration (nuisance or minor deterioration) or harm to receptors; 

MAGNITUDE Minor 

change to receiving environment not measurable; or identified threshold 

never exceeded 

Minor+ 

Minor improvement; change not measurable; or threshold never 

exceeded 

Moderate+ 

Moderate improvement; within or better than the threshold; or no 

observed reaction 

Major+ 

Substantial improvement; within or better than the threshold; or 

favourable publicity 

SPATIAL SCALE 

OR 

POPULATION 

Site or local Site specific or confined to the project area 

Regional May be defined in various ways, e.g. cadastral, catchment, topographic 

National/ 

International 

Nationally or beyond 




Short term Less than 3 years 

DURATION Medium term 2 to15 years 

Long term >15 years 

PART B: DETERMINING CONSEQUENCE RATING 

Rate consequence based on definition of magnitude, spatial extent and duration 

SPATIAL SCALE/ POPULATION 

Site or Local Regional National 

MAGNITUDE 

Long term Medium Medium High 

Minor DURATION Medium term Low Low Medium 

Short term Low Low Medium 

Moderate DURATION 

Long term Medium High High 

Medium term Medium Medium High 

Short term Low Medium Medium 

Long term High High High 

Major DURATION Medium term Medium Medium High 

Short term Medium Medium High 

PART C: DETERMINING SIGNIFICANCE RATING 

Rate significance based on consequence and probability 

CONSEQUENCE 

Low Medium High 

PROBABILITY 

Definite Medium Medium High 

(of exposure to 

Possible Low Medium High 

impacts) 

Unlikely Low Low Medium 

High 

+ denotes a positive impact. 

PART D: CONFIDENCE LEVEL 

Medium Low 

Using the matrix, the significance of each described impact will be initially rated before management 

measures are applied; however the rating will assume the management measures inherent in the 

project design are in place. Practicable management measures will be recommended in accordance 

with the International Finance Corporation’s mitigation hierarchy. Management measures will seek 

to avoid, and if avoidance is not possible, then reduce, restore, compensate/offset negative impacts, 

enhance positive impacts and assist project design. The significance of the impact after management 

will then be rated. 

7.5 Public consultation and disclosure 

7.5.1 Continued stakeholder identification and incorporation of comments 

SRK will continue to expand the stakeholder database through networking and referral. Information 

will continue to be disseminated and comments accepted throughout the consultation process. 

Contact details have been provided for the public consultation facilitators at the information-sharing 

meetings and are included in the BID (Appendix B). SRK will maintain a database of all 

stakeholders consulted, comments received (both written and verbal) and these will be included in 

report submissions. 

7.5.2 Grievance mechanism 

AGK has committed to establishing a Grievance Mechanism to receive and facilitate resolution of 

the affected communities’ concerns and grievances about current impacts of exploration as well as 

environmental and social performance during all the phases of this project. The Grievance 

Mechanism should be established to address concerns promptly, using an understandable and 

transparent process that is culturally appropriate and readily accessible to all segments of the 




affected communities.This should be guided by AGA’s standard on Grievance Procedures and 


7.5.3 Public consultation and disclosure 

SRK recognises the critical importance of stakeholder engagement in this context: to promote free, 

prior and informed consultation, to build social licence to operate and to secure a foundation for 

ongoing engagement and relationship building. A Stakeholder Engagement Plan will guide the EIS 

and post-EIS interaction. All engagement will be informed by AGK’s stakeholder interactions to 

date, and will be undertaken where appropriate with the assistance of structures like the Mongbwalu 

Stakeholder Forum. Engagement will involve several further rounds of consultation at the following 

stages of the EIS process: 

• Circulation of minutes as part of the draft and final scoping reports on information-sharing and 

feedback meetings held during the scoping phase (Rounds 1 and 2)(this report); 

• Written feedback on project updates and preliminary findings (Round 3)(January 2011); 

• Feedback meetings on the findings and presentation of the draft EIS and EMPP report for 

comment (Round 4)(April 2011); and 

• Written feedback on the outcomes of the EIS submission to the DRC government (Round 

5)(2011). 

7.5.4 Document review 

Key documents compiled as part of EIS process will be made available for public review. AGK will 

establish a Resource and Documentation Centre (RDC) facility where stakeholders can source EIS 

and project materials. Documents will include: 

• Minutes of information-sharing and feedback meetings; 

• Scoping and TOR report (this report); and 

• EIS and EMPP reports. 

7.6 EIS and EMPP report structure and contents 

We propose the following structure and content for the EIS and EMPP report: 

Relevant Article in 

Schedule IX of the 

Code Minier 

Regulations 

Chapter 

Section 

Article 451 34 Non-technical 

Summary Document 

Content 

Overview of mining works programme, 

negative and positive impacts, and the 

management plans 

Volume 1: Environmental Impact Study 

Articles 4 to 10 Chapter 1 Introduction and project Brief overview of project, land rights, applicant 

identification 

and EIS consultant; purpose and structure of 

report in relation to Schedule IX of the Mining 

Regulations 

Articles 46, 50, 66 Chapter 2 Governance framework Regulatory framework relevant to project: 

DRC legislation, AGA standards, International 

34 Not part of Schedule IX 






Code Minier 

Regulations 

Chapter 

Section 

Article 126 Chapter 3 Assessment process 

and methods 

Articles 11 to 24; 

Schedule XI 

Content 

Standards including the Equator Principles 

Description of process followed including 

public consultation and disclosure; impact 

assessment methods; assumptions and 

limitations 

Chapter 4 Project description Description of project activities and 

infrastructure: raw material inputs, processes 

and technology, products and by-products 

None Chapter 5 Project alternatives Description and comparison of technically and 

financially feasible alternatives 

Articles 13, 20, 21, 

26, 28 to 33, 35 to 37; 

Schedules XII, XIII, 

XIV 

Chapter 6 Environmental baseline Description of the affected physical and 

biological environments including topography; 

geology; soils, land capability and use; 

geochemistry; climate and air quality; surface 

water quality and quantity; groundwater quality 

and quantity; noise; visual; biodiversity 

(terrestrial and aquatic); sensitive 

environments 

Articles 26 and 38 Chapter 7 Social baseline Description of traffic; socio-economics; 

archaeology and cultural heritage 

Articles 25, 26, 39, 40 

and 41 

Articles 25, 26, 39, 40 

and 41 

Chapter 8 Environmental impact 

assessment 

Chapter 9 Social impact 

assessment 

Describes potential physical and biological 

impacts and recommended management 

measures 

Describes potential socio-economic and 

cultural impacts and recommended 

management measures 

Volume 2: Environmental Management Plan of the Project 

None Chapter 1 Introduction Introduction, objectives and structure of the 

EMPP 

None Chapter 2 Legal requirements, 

policies and 

philosophies 

Principles of impact management 

None Chapter 3 Roles, responsibility and 

accountability 

Description of AGK structure and capacity for 

managing, reporting and auditing 

environmental, social and health issues 

None Chapter 4 Training and awareness Framework for training and awareness of 

environmental and social issues 

None Chapter 5 Compliance 

assessment 

Article 45, 52, 63 to 

65, 69 to 73, 88, 89 

Internal and external assessment of 

performance 

Chapter 6 Monitoring programme Monitoring programme of environmental 

quality to assess the effectiveness of 

management measures 

None Chapter 7 EMPP reporting Legal and stakeholder reporting on EMPP 

implementation 

Articles 43, 44, 45, 

47, 48, 49, 53, 66, 78 

and 84 

Articles 54, 58, 66, 

68, 70, 94 and 127 

Chapter 7 Management 

programme (Mitigation 

and Rehabilitation 

Programme) 

Detailed table of management measures for 

all phases of the mine life-cycle, from design 

to closure, to mitigate and/or eliminate each 

adverse impact and to enhance the positive 

impacts (including noise and vibration, air 

emissions, water, soil degradation) 

Chapter 9 Management plans Emergency preparedness and response; 

water management; Sustainable development; 

Stakeholder engagement; indigenous peoples; 

resettlement policy framework; community 

health and safety; cyanide management 






Code Minier 

Regulations 

Article 95 to 125; and 

Schedule XI 

Articles 124 and 125; 

Schedule II 

Chapter 

Section 

Chapter 10 Closure and 

rehabilitation 

Content 

Closure management plan and rehabilitation, 

including a cost estimate for the work 

Chapter 11 Financial provision Description of the budget and financial 

resources to implement the EMPP including 

financial security. 

Article 128 Chapter 12 Conclusions and 

conformity 

Key highlights and findings of the assessment, 

and declaration of conformity with Schedule IX 

None Chapter 13 References List of all references used in the compilation of 

the EIS and EMPP report 

Articles 126 and 128 Appendices as necessary 

7.7 Core team 

Details for the core management and public consultation team are given in Table 7-5. 

Table 7-5: Details of core team leaders 

Project role Name Organisation Highest qualification 

Core environmental assessment team 

Project partner and 

public consultation 

Tim Hart SRK MA (Human Geography) 

Project manager and Donald Gibson SRK MSc (Conservation Biology); 

lead environmental 

assessment 

practitioner 

PrSciNat 

Environmental 

Margaret SRK MSc (Environmental Science) 

assessment 

practitioner 

Beater 

Social co-ordinator Tandi Reilly SRK MA (Sociology) 

In-country (DRC) 

support and 

stakeholder 

engagement 

Susa Maleba SRK DRC (Lubumbashi) BScHons (Mining Engineering) 

Technical editing Dr Henrietta SRK EngD (Environmental 

Internal review team 

Salter 

Technology); PrSciNat 

Social, process and Allison Burger SRK BScHons (Environmental and 

stakeholder 

Geographical Science); 

engagement 

CEAPSA 

Biophysical Henrietta SRK EngD (Environmental 

Salter 

Technology); PrSciNat 

External peer review team 

Process and 

Bryony South African Institute for MSc (Geography); CEAPSA; 

Stakeholder 

Engagement 

Walmsley Environmental Assessment PrSciNat 

Public consultation team 

Public consultation 

facilitator 

Tim Hart SRK MA (Human Geography) 

Public co-ordinator and Vuyo 

SRK BComHons (Economics) 

translator 

Matshikiza 

Public co-ordinator and Esperanza School teacher in Bunia BA 

translator 

Mamba 

Agenorwoth 




8 Conclusions 

The screening and scoping process documented in this report has identified key issues requiring 

more detailed investigation by specialists. With current information on the project and the complex 

nature of the area, the potential exists for impacts associated with the project to be significant. A 

thorough assessment using a rigorous methodology during the impact assessment phase is therefore 

required. SRK believes that a key aspect of the environmental studies proposed is to devise 

appropriate management plans as part of the EMPP, in order to assist AGK in avoiding and 

mitigating negative impacts and to enhance positive ones. 

The public consultation process undertaken so far and the social studies, have highlighted the 

importance of ongoing public consultation and disclosure during the EIS and life of mine. It is 

important for project success that local communities and other stakeholders are regularly engaged 

and provided with the opportunity to influence the EIS and AGK’s management approach. This 

aspect has been built into the EIS timeline and a stakeholder engagement plan will be presented as 

part of the EMPP. 

Prepared by 

M BEATER 

Environmental Assessment Practitioner 

DJD GIBSON Pr.Sci.Nat; 

Lead Environmental Assessment Practitioner 

Reviewed by 

A BURGER; CEAPSA 

Process and Social Reviewer 

Dr H SALTER; PrSciNat 

Biophysical Reviewer 

All data used as source material plus the text, tables, figures, and attachments of this document have 

been reviewed and prepared in accordance with generally accepted professional engineering and 

environmental practices. 




9 References 

Anglo Goldfields Kilo presentation (February 2010). DRC Operations: Concession 40. Adapted 

from J.C. Kanku. 

AngloGold Ashanti (2008a). Presentation on Mongbwalu Conceptual Information, June, 2008. 

AngloGold Ashanti (2008b). DRC Country Report. 

AngloGold Ashanti (2010). Mongbwalu hydrogeology pre-feasibility RFP. 

CAFOD (2010). Golden Opportunity or False Hope? AngloGold Ashanti’s proposed gold mine in 

the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

Van Vlaenderen and Reilly (2010a). Key Informant Interview with Agricultural Department HOD. 

Van Vlaenderen and Reilly (2010b). Key Informant Interview with NGOs to empower women and 

children. 

Van Vlaenderen and Reilly (2010c). Key Informant Interview with Kilo Primary School Director. 

Walmsley, B. (2008). Assessment of the Environmental Impact Assessment Capacity Needs in the 

Democratic Republic of Congo. Prepared for the World Bank by Bryony Walmsley. The Southern 

African Institute for Environmental Assessment, Windhoek, Namibia (unpublished draft). 

Walmsley, B. and Tshipala, K.E. (2007). Handbook on Environmental Assessment Legislation in the 

SADC Region. Development Bank of Southern Africa and the Southern African Institute for 

Environmental Assessment. Midrand. pp 69-79. 

www.anglogold.co.za 

www.anglogoldashanti.com/Sustainability/Extractive+Industries+Transparency+Initiative+(EITI).ht 

m 

www.birdlife.org 

www.congoforum.be 

www.cyanidecode.org 

www.ifc.org/enviro 

www.ifc.org/ifcext/enviro.nsf/Content/EnvironmentalGuidelines 

www.unicef.org 

www.whc.unesco.org 




Appendices 

Appendix A: Stakeholder Database 


MONGBWALU PROJECT EIS - STAKEHOLDER LIST 

Type Title Name Surname Organisation Position Tel Fax Cell E-mail 

Affected Community Mr Logo Abara Unionist 084 093 524 

Affected Community Mr Lossa Ahessa Hena Butcher 081 617 7248 

Affected Community Mr Timolo Alezo Lendu-Bindi Sub-consultant 081 252 0126 

Affected Community Mr Nyatho Alitia Logo 

Affected Community Mr Kutilo Ally Nyali Clerk of the Court 081 824 7233 

Affected Community Mr Anangana Angana Nyali 081 342 7990 

Affected Community Mr Mumaka Anjaisoga Nyali 

Affected Community Mr Lokudu Awu-M Kakwa Professor 081 272 2717 

Affected Community Mr Bachoa Nyali 081 093 8627 

Affected Community Mr Ilambi Badjoko Lokele 081 954 0238 

Affected Community Mr Leon Badoro Munyali 

Affected Community Mr Ngabu-Matesa Belo Lendu Farmer 081 746 9619 

Affected Community Mr Francious Blekpa Lendu 

Affected Community Mr Lokama Buli Gegere Artisinal Miner 

Affected Community Ms Ivette Buma Lendu 

Affected Community Mr Anjakamel Christine Nyali Farmer 

Affected Community Mr Devenga Clarice Lendu 

Affected Community Mr Lonya Codjuma Lendu Ex Kimin Employee 

Affected Community Mr Lombu Daniel FEC Vice President 081 246 8468 

Affected Community Mr Maki David (ALDR) ACCO = Moto Taxi Driver 081 534 7793 

Affected Community Mr Batchebae Dey Nyali 

Affected Community Mr Deve Dhavaiy Lendu Farmer 

Affected Community Mr Chalotte Dhembe Lendu Farmer 

Affected Community Mr Lanu Dhezunga Lendu Farmer 

Affected Community Mr Longa Diambi Nyala 

Affected Community Mr Simbuabo Dieudonne CEO Chaffeur 081 500 3534 

Affected Community Mr Makati Djibril Bira Merchant 

Affected Community Mr Njabu Dyalo Lendu Farmer 

Affected Community Mr Madingaka Edivir Nyali Judge 081 243 3836 

Affected Community Mr Mulinga Frangoy Acco-Koto Secretary 087 342 5980 

Affected Community Mr Kisezo Furabo Bira Farmer

Affected Community Mr Wamela Gongole Munyali Environmental Agent 

Affected Community Mr Kitsa Hanga Pharmalie Pharmacist 

Affected Community Mr Christoff Hudanga 081 887 4842 

Affected Community Mr Aenya Hyirac Alur 

Affected Community Mr Gbaiba Jino UNIC Student 081 271 7888 

Affected Community Mr Basiabise Kabu Nyali Police 

Affected Community Mr J.Paul Kasereka UNIC Student 081 199 3359 

Affected Community Mr Jean-Paul Kodhidomo Acco/Moto President 081 233 0919 

Affected Community Mr Namdro Ladho Lendu Farmer 

Affected Community Mr Kede Lelu Logo Farmer 

Affected Community Mr Ngbagaro Lendu Lendu Mechanic 081 937 3616 

Affected Community Mr Afo Lendu Lese Police 

Affected Community Mr Lombi Nyali 081 738 3856 

Affected Community Mr Emanuel Lucien 

Affected Community Mr Matata Lumi Lendu Worker 

Affected Community Mr Ajusam Mabe 

Affected Community Mr Muhindo Mahamba Nande Merchant 089 135 7775 

Affected Community Ms Soko Maskini PAIX-Justice 

Affected Community Mr Lokana Mateso Lendu Police 

Affected Community Mr Tsunaro Matsobi Ngiti Ex Kimin Employee 081 008 2072 

Affected Community Mr Bolamba Matthiew (ALDR) ACCO = Moto Taxi Driver 081 899 1211 

Affected Community Mr Asoga Maya 

Affected Community Mr Iya Michel Medical 081 064 4266 

Affected Community Mr Bahindo Mnkohe Clinique Juridique Consultant 081 248 5344 

Affected Community Mr Songo Musanguna Lendu 

Affected Community Mr Loche Na Gokpa Director 081 096 6733 

Affected Community Mr Malo Ngabu Lendu Merchant 

Affected Community Ms Marie Ngabusi Lendu 

Affected Community Ms Patience Ngabusi Lendu 

Affected Community Mr Malobi Numbisa Munyali Farmer 

Affected Community Mr Likpa Nuva Lendu Farmer 081 247 9509 

Affected Community Mr Natchono Nyali Nyali 081 735 5763 

Affected Community Mr Nicolas Ondia Acco/Bunid Centre Driver 081 059 2599

Affected Community Mr Chattale Patience Lese 

Affected Community Mr Barfunya Pope Bira Brigadere 081 143 6916 

Affected Community Mr Omari Riama Grader (construction) 081 235 3400 

Affected Community Mr Shaba Roger Service De Mines Geology Inspector 081 609 5012 

Affected Community Mr Baelo Russel ACCO/Moto Vice President 

Affected Community Mr Baseambi Se 

Affected Community Mr Budu Selela 

Affected Community Mr Francious Sinosi Lendu 

Affected Community Mr Vcima Syiva ALVR Pharmacist 081 040 4920 

Affected Community Mr De'ba Tchudha Lendu Farmer 

Affected Community Mr Mombineni Torea Nyali Pupil 081 954 5354 

Affected Community Mr Paluku Tsorego University Student 081 237 0518 

Affected Community Mr Yakiso Undobijcho 

Affected Community Mr Adegi Unega (ALDR) ACCO = Moto Taxi Driver 081 243 5448 

Affected Community Mr Paluku Ushindi Nyande Worker 

Affected Community Mr Kassamba Wanago Alur/Org-Astramin Mineworker 081 735 3049 

Affected Community Mr Keraure Wathimbe Forestry 081 923 8361 

Affected Community Mr Aliyay Wpokire Alourou Worker 081 090 8067 

Affected Community Mr Masiko Zazu Niyali 081 264 9500 

Affected Community Mr D' Zesu Lendu Farmer 

Affected Community Mr Atimnadi Alur 

Affected Community Mr Trimadrania Lugbara Farmer 

Affected Community Mr Rebeka Lendu 

Affected Community Mr Upara Alur Worker 081 272 2690 

Affected Community Ms Yomima Lese Farmer 

Affected Community Mr Kabuyaza Mumande Tailor 085 914 0548 

Affected Community Ms Ivette Muzembu 

Affected Community Mr Buli Mlendu Farmer 

Affected Community Mr Hungito Civil Servant 

Territory Administrator 

(DJUGU) 

AGK Employee Ms Henrietta Ahvro AGK Kitchen Staff 081 373 9815 

AGK Employee Mr Kakule Aime M.D. Mechanic 081 264 9251 

AGK Employee Mr T Alphonse HR 084 397 8359 

AGK Employee Mr Andre Awenze M.D. Chaffeur 081 898 6076

AGK Employee Mr John Bamford AGK 

AGK Employee Mr Jean Baptiste AGK Administrator 081 381 7349 

AGK Employee Mr Bakumu Bawey AGK Carpenter 

AGK Employee Mr Pierrot Bulo AGK Maintenance 099 090 0446 

AGK Employee Mr Fidele Fama AGK Technician 081 878 1991 

AGK Employee Mr Rob Fumu AGK 

AGK Employee Mr Mondro Gudra AGK Geologist 081 262 9357 

AGK Employee Mr P Jeffcock AGK District General 

AGK Employee Mrs Nancy Kanda AGK 

Supervisor for WASHA 

Project 

AGK Employee Mr Tongbe Kangbaaiese Kitchen Staff 

081 438 0600 

AGK Employee Ms Veronique Kavira AGK Finance 099 090 0418 

AGK Employee Mr Adam Kilimili AGK Preparatory Lab 255 782 700 704 

AGK Employee Mr Marius Kpoh IT 081 082 6130 

AGK Employee Mr Lonema Lokpa M.D. Technician 

AGK Employee Mr Tonya Malabo AGK ARC 081 954 1002 

AGK Employee Mr Ike Medard AGK Supervisor 

AGK Employee Mr Ali Mohammed AGK Construction 081513 4558 

AGK Employee Mr Patient Muhotolo AGK Builder 081 159 9874 

AGK Employee Mr Katuku Nono AGK Driver 081 355 4858 

AGK Employee Mr Mbale Shabani M.D. Chaffeur 081 530 6408 

AGK Employee Mr Chuma Tsera M.D. Lab Technician 081 411 9461 

AGK Employee Mr Dieudonne Umra M.D. Technician 081 924 668 

AGK Employee Mr Busilekilo Wanfiru Nyali Kitchen Staff 081 008 1541 

AGK Employee Mrs Josephine Warilonga AGK Maintenance 099 403 1017 

AGK Employee Mr Jaques Zukra M.D. Construction 

AGK Employee Ms Anna-Marie AGK Shop Steward 

AGK Employee Ms Angel-Borive AGK Housekeeper 

AGK Employee Ms Solange AGK Housekeeper 

AGK Employee Mr Matata AGK Dispensary 

AGK Employee Mr Mbula AGK Technician 

AGK Employee Mr Vaza AGK Maintenance 

AGK Employee Mr Lebisabo AGK Constructor 

AGK Employee Mr Nisimba AGK Mechanic

AGK Employee Mr Lonema AGK Mechanic 

AGK Employee Mr Migual M.D Kitchen Staff 

AGK Employee Mr Agunamombi M.D Kitchen Staff 

AGK Employee Mr Jeaninne ATM AGK Administrator 

AGK Employee Mr Minambo M.D. Lab Technician 

AGK Employee Mr Nawana M.D. Lab Technician 

AGK Employee Ms Mathilde M.D. Administrator 

AGK Employee Mr Mzale-Jeannine M.D. Administrator 

AGK Employee Mr Ngabu-Matesa M.D. Technician/Geology 

AGK Employee Mr Bunganuzi-Kab AGK Prospector 

AGK Employee Mr Lobo M.D. Prospector 

AGK Employee Mr Ngabu AGK Technician 081 539 8568 

AGK Employee Mr Baseambise M.D. Laboratory 

AGK Employee Mr Makawani M.D. Laboratory 

AGK Employee Mr Buli-Richard AGK Co-Driver 081 047 9230 

AGK Employee Mr Ngoma AGK Casual Worker 

AGK Employee Mr Zamba AGK Casual Worker 

AGK Employee Mr Talaviani AGK Casual Worker 

AGK Employee Mr Thalemba AGK Casual Worker 

AGK Employee Mr Kambode M.D. Mechanic 

AGK Employee Mr Kaserekahmah M.D Casual Worker 

AGK Employee Mr Bayo J.H. Maintenance 

AGK Employee Mr Wlama J.H. Maintenance 

AGK Employee Mr Kambali AGK Electrician 

AGK Employee Mr Ameru M.D. Kitchen Staff 

AGK Employee Mr Manjalu M.D. Kitchen Staff 

AGK Employee Mr Ndjabu M.D. Technician 

AGK Employee Mr Ngabulebo AGK Carpenter 

AGK Employee Ms Bidong M.D. 

AGK Employee Mr Hgave AGK Administrator 

AGK Employee Mr Adeuba M.D. Technician 

AGK Employee Mr Nzoli M.D. Ass. Lab Technician 099 874 4444 

AGK Employee Mr Baseate M.D. Ass. Lab Technician 099 435 0402

AGK Employee Mr Motaminyo M.D. Ass. Lab Technician 

AGK Employee Mr Kazadi M.D. 081 039 5307 

AGK Employee Mr Tumbe M.D. Builder 081 345 7263 

AGK Employee Mr Ubemu M.D. Builder 081 474 1064 

AGK Employee Mr Assani AGK 081 291 3496 

AGK Employee Mr Muyulu M.D. Builder 081 757 0045 

AGK Employee Mr Kavamuhya AGK Builder 081 534 0150 

AGK Employee Mr Udaga M.D. Builder 

AGK Employee Mr Banzala M.D. Builder 

AGK Employee Mr Rehema N2 Kitchen Staff 

AGK Employee Mr Esaka AGK Casual Worker 081 887 6590 

AGK Employee Mr Musafiri AGK Casual Worker 081 397 8426 

AGK Employee Mr Kakozi AGK Casual Worker 081 886 3789 

AGK Employee Mr Kitoko M.D. Technician 087 477 7894 

AGK Employee Mr Alipacu AGK Casual Worker 087 954 5665 

AGK Employee Mr Abiehel AGK 087 263 0136 

AGK Employee Mr Bingimni AGK Casual Worker 081 954 4510 

AGK Employee Mr Akilisende M.D. Casual Worker 085 917 3128 

AGK Employee Mr Kawayo M.D. Casual Worker 081 769 7080 

AGK Employee Mr Itaka M.D. Lab Technician 081 621 8599 

AGK Employee Mr Otuba M.D. Lab Technician 

AGK Employee Mr Mbetule M.D. Casual Worker 089 323 0760 

AGK Employee Mr Kerumbe AGK Storeman 081 534 8438 

AGK Employee Mr Kpaki M.D. Maintenance 081 766 0834 

AGK Employee Mr Kolemba AGK Maintenance 081 152 7204 

AGK Employee Mr Zobudi M.D. Maintenance 081 544 4867 

AGK Employee Mr Ngabusi AGK Kitchen Staff 081 179 0546 

AGK Employee Mr Kisuba AGK Kitchen Staff 081 544 4198 

AGK Employee Mr Tende AGK Kitchen Staff 

AGK Employee Mr Katirogo AGK Sanitary Maintenance 081 755 4691 

AGK Employee Mr Unegax AGK Plumber 081 784 2964 

AGK Employee Ms Jeannine AGK HR 0996 090 0444 

AGK Employee Mr Patikana AGK Construction

AGK Employee Mr Nasudik M.D. Electrician 081 022 4652 

AGK Employee Mr Amasito AGK COT 081 839 9428 

AGK Employee Mr Mbuso M.D. Surveyor 081 096 3523 

AGK Employee Mr Ombo AGK COT 

AGK Employee Mr Tagirabo M.D. Surveyor 081 967 6290 

AGK Employee Mr Oleko M.D. Driver 081 640 2717 

AGK Employee Mr Koavingi M.D. Driver 081 271 2575 

AGK Employee Mr Ukelo M.D. Driver 081 751 6867 

AGK Employee Mr Kasongo M.D. Driver 099 453 2234 

AGK Employee Mr Eugene M.D. Driver 081 022 9687 

AGK Employee Mr Tungulu M.D. Construction 

AGK Employee Mr Gaya M.D. Construction 081 823 2985 

AGK Employee Mr Duabo M.D. Construction 081 748 3119 

AGK Employee Mr Biwaga M.D. Administrator 081 753 8216 

AGK Employee Mr Bahati M.D. Construction 085 916 8348 

AGK Employee Mr Avo M.D. Driver 081 500 7308 

AGK Employee Mr Jaques AGK Manager 081 439 5496 

AGK Employee Mr Koge M.D. Technician 081 476 9952 

AGK Employee Mr Marc AGK Prospector 081 262 9370 

AGK Employee Mr Naolokilo AGK Construction 085 914 0506 

AGK Employee Mr Tserats AGK Maintenance 081 954 6173 

AGK Employee Mr Mudvani AGK Construction 081 063 4659 

AGK Employee Mr Syabo M.D. Construction 

AGK Employee Mr Tadre M.D. Construction 

AGK Employee Mr Amula M.D. Driver 

AGK Employee Mr Dyedha M.D. Kitchen Staff 081 615 8580 

AGK Employee Mr Basibaja M.D. Laundry Man 

AGK Employee Mr Bero M.D. Petrol Assistant 081 500 4439 

AGK Employee Mr Yenyabo M.D. Construction 085 914 0718 

AGK Employee Mr Stex AGK Geologist 

AGK Employee Mr Mawa M.D. Maintenance 085 914 3431 

AGK Employee Mr Baraka M.D. Construction 081 245 4053 

AGK Employee Mr Njabu M.D. Construction 081 016 2081

AGK Employee Mr Tchombe M.D. Electrician 081 342 5801 

AGK Employee Mr Wave M.D. Kitchen Staff 081 239 2869 

AGK Employee Mr Love M.D. Transport 

AGK Employee Mr Matendo AGK Chef 081 538 6742 

AGK Employee Mr Ndiay AGK Health & Safety Officer 081 631 2269 

AGK Employee Mr Jose Thanba AGK 081 236 9869 

Artisinal Miner Mr Mojabu Agenomga Lengu Artisinal Miner 

Artisinal Miner Mr Dibele Basianiga Nyali Artisinal Miner 081 764 7561 

Artisinal Miner Mr Bura Buzu Lendu Artisinal Miner 

Artisinal Miner Mr Nhrundro Claver Lendu Artisinal Miner 

Artisinal Miner Mr Alan Combe J.A.L. Artisinal Miner 081 639 0303 

Artisinal Miner Mr Drajiri Conjiringa Lendu Artisinal Miner 

Artisinal Miner Mr Ondoma Dieudonne Lugbara Artisinal Miner 

Artisinal Miner Mr Andama Ezua Lugbara Artisinal Miner 

Artisinal Miner Ms Sonzi Baringo Ismail Islamique Artisinal Miner 081 162 3449 

Artisinal Miner Mr Ndjabu Jandedie Mhema Artisinal Miner 

Artisinal Miner Mr Kambale Kavoyo Nyande Artisinal Miner 

Artisinal Miner Mr Shala Lendu Lendu Artisinal Miner 

Artisinal Miner Mr Mandro Lesti Lendu Artisinal Miner 

Artisinal Miner Mr Fumu Lingao Lemao Artisinal Miner 081 246 8498 

Artisinal Miner Mr Patric Maki Lendu Artisinal Miner 

Artisinal Miner Mr Njangu Maki Lendu Artisinal Miner 

Artisinal Miner Mr Iyoram Malobi Lendu Artisinal Miner 

Artisinal Miner Mr Muhendro Manbekere Nyande Artisinal Miner 

Artisinal Miner Mr Xadaa Mapamaju Lendu Artisinal Miner 

Artisinal Miner Mr Bulo Minambo Lendu Artisinal Miner 

Artisinal Miner Mr Jean Paul Mvindo Nyande Artisinal Miner 

Artisinal Miner Mr Maki Ndaki Hema Artisinal Miner 

Artisinal Miner Mr Gats Ngadjole Hema Artisinal Miner 

Artisinal Miner Mr Olivier Ngurima Lendu Artisinal Miner 

Artisinal Miner Mr Kambale Nukara Munaande Artisinal Miner 

Artisinal Miner Mr Likambo Odra-Luc A.O.DE.R.PI Artisinal Miner 081 262 8545 

Artisinal Miner Mr Joel Pidha Lendu Artisinal Miner

Artisinal Miner Mr Isidore Tamile NGO AOARPI Artisinal Miner 081 241 2945 

Artisinal Miner Mr Ngadjole Tsoro Hema Artisinal Miner 

Artisinal Miner Mr Matthew Ukelo Cemao Artisinal Miner 081 027 9815 

Artisinal Miner Mr Uringi Unicham Alourou Artisinal Miner 

Artisinal Miner Mr Heritier Wanadhi Kongo Artisinal Miner 

Artisinal Miner Mr Plpasini Yadha Lendu Artisinal Miner 

Artisinal Miner Mr Dhera Zuga Lendu Artisinal Miner 

Artisinal Miner Mr Mayto Zumay Bari-Longo Artisinal Miner 

International NGO's Mr Hassan Partow Program Manager UNDP 41 0 22 917 8665 41 22 917 8064 41 0 79 500 6778 hassan.partow@unep.org 

International NGO's Mr Dennis Mahonghol Expert Forestier 

Biodiversity Mr Robert Mwinyihali Ituri-Apulu-Aru Landscape Leader 

Biodiversity Mrs Rowena Smuts Mining Engagement Advisor 

PNVE/CN-REDD/Kinhasa 

DRC 

denis.mahonghol@unep.org 

Wildlife Conservation 

Society 

rmwinyihali@wcs.org 

Conservation 

International 

021 799 8708 072 692 1905 r.smuts@conservation.org 

Biodiversity Mrs Pippa Howard Fauna & Flora International Director 44 0 1223 579 493 44 0 1223 461475 44 0 7985 609473 Pippa.Howard@fauna-flora.org 

Biodiversity Mrs Thalia Lokartis Fauna & Flora International 44 0 1223 579 493 Thalia.Lokartis@fauna-flora.org 

Biodiversity Past. Cosma Wilungula Balongelwa Director General ICCN 0024 381 710 0444 wicosma@yahoo.fr 

Biodiversity Mr Moise Osodu Omba Director CARPE 243 099 068 3948 ombaosodu@yahoo.fr 

Biodiversity Mr Kenneth Angu Angu Regional Program Manager CARPE 237 22 21 64 96 237 22 21 64 97 kenneth.angu@iucn.org 

Biodiversity Mr Bernoit Kisuki Program Director 

Biodiversity Mr Richard Tshombe Implemening Partner 

Conservation 

International 

Wildlife Conservation 

Society 

benoitkisuki@gmail.com 

rtshombe@wcs.org 

Biodiversity Mr Joseph Mapilanga Director Okapi Reserve watmapilanga@yahoo.co.uk 

Biodiversity Mr Erick Lacroix Advisor Okapi Reserve Eric.Lacroix@gfa-group.de 

Biodiversity Ms Rose-Marie Ruf GIC NGO gicepulu@uuplus.com 

Biodiversity Mr Rene Abedi Ministry of Environment 

Nature Conservation and 

Tourism 

Commerce & Business Mr Bahemvia Antoine OKIMO 085 916 0924 

Commerce & Business Mr Bataonde Boley Topoko OKIMO Sub-consultant 081 487 1377 

Commerce & Business Mr Chuma Cesar OKIMO 

Division Manager 

(Responsible for Social 

099 850 5535 

Commerce & Business Mr Jean de Dieu Djari CEO 

Affairs) 

Accountant 081 381 4835 

Commerce & Business Mr Christophe Evilago Eturi District Division Manager 081 081 9590 

Commerce & Business Mr Senge Ibiliabo PNUD Announcer 081 770 5593 

Commerce & Business Mr Imiyakila Nyali Merchant 

Commerce & Business Mr Agamile Killy M.D. Chaffeur 081 734 4350 

Commerce & Business Mr Alain Shabani Kimareki ASBL Assistant 099 898 5580 081 682 4457 

Commerce & Business Mr Paluku Kisonia G4S Security Guard 081 368 0511 

renabsenga@yahoo.fr

Commerce & Business Mr Eloi Lebisabo AGK Medical Assistant 

Commerce & Business Mr Tryphunnette Lobvz RP/OKIMO Public Relations Officer 099 755 4534 

Commerce & Business Mr Bwembola Lotigo Boutique Maman Soleil Director 099 762 3630 

Commerce & Business Mr Lotlove makuru OKIMO CBP 099 755 4534 

081 716 0541 / 

099 090 0463 

Commerce & Business Mr Malo Malobi OKIMO Director 081 166 5361 

Commerce & Business Mr Ngbara Mateso OKIMO Director 085 914 1272 

Consultant Mr Matata Basiloko Nyali Sub-consultant 

Consultant Mr Lobo Litachu Gegere Sub-consultant 

Government Local Mr Abdur Rahman John Lieutenant 

081 752 0485 / 

081 476 6117 

Government Local Mr Rene Abedi National Ministry of Environment Director renabsenga@yahoo.fr 

Government Local Mr Ramazani Lutuba DPEM Director 00 243 818134 929 

Government Local Mr Medard Autsai Asenga Provincial Government - Kisangani Governor 

Government Local Mr Bushaba Kot-Kien Civil Servant 

Government Local Mr Floribert Longa Lendu Police 

Territory 

Administrator(IRURU) 

099 489 3803 081 363 0960 

Government Local Mr Assani Radjabu Mongbwalu Rank Officer 081 585 8611 

Local Government Mr J P Bikilisenge Mongbwalu Mayor 

Local Government Mr Bujo Buki JC UNTC Trade Unionist 099 885 7647 

Local Government Ms Theresa Kiza D.G.I Deputy Dirctor 081 048 1187 

Local Government Mr Demas Masuyibuko D.G.I 

081 200 6427/ 

085 915 4514 

Non-Governmental Ms Elizabeth Love Society Civile Teacher 081 016 5600 sakinalove@yahoo.com 

Special Interest Group Mr Georgine Adabay HGR Nurse 081 870 2854 

Special Interest Group Mr Mbombo Alfred PNC/AGK Security 081 007 4709 

Special Interest Group Mr Ajiki Aligo Carriere Salama Administrator 

Special Interest Group Mr Giseko Aligo Carriere Salama Administrative Secretary 

085 914 3077 / 

081 143 2730 

081 143 2730/ 

085 914 3027 

Special Interest Group Mr Likambo Alur Alur 081 141 2885 

Special Interest Group Mr Sezabo Amos Rhema Pastor 081 343 4702 

Special Interest Group Mr Marie Apiyo KECA 20 081 501 7895 

Special Interest Group Mr J.Baptiste Arac Hospital Chief Personnel Officer 081 839 9493 

Special Interest Group Mr Ndahvra Atwoki F.E.C Merchant 081 924 9750 

Special Interest Group Mr Jose Ayali A.N.R. Intelligence Kitchen Staff 081 954 5357 

Special Interest Group Mr Libondo Basoko Astramin Coordinator 081 166 3254 

Special Interest Group Mr Joel Bisubu Monuc Civil Affairs Assistant 099 849 9521 bisubu@yahoo.fr 

Special Interest Group Mr Shabail Boyolo Mongbwalu Chief Administrator 

081 264 9154 / 

085 914 9631

Special Interest Group Mr Badobokoko Budu CEPAC Pastor 099 907 5703 

Special Interest Group Mr Alfred Buju CDJP/CDC Coordinator 099 056 8828 

Special Interest Group Mr Souzie Bulobango CEO Apprentice 081 200 7196 

Special Interest Group Mr Francious Bura CDJP/CDC Researcher 099 868 9637 

Special Interest Group Mr Francious Busi Development 081 639 4945 

Special Interest Group Ms Elizabeth Buve Love C.A.D. Concert President 081 016 3690 sakinalove@yahoo.fr 

Special Interest Group Mr Waissala Delyih Radio Okape Journalist 081 380 9791 

Special Interest Group Mr Kitabu Dhekwa ACL President 081 751 3171 

Special Interest Group Mr Bandetena Emile Nyali Kitchen Staff 081 166 6962 

Special Interest Group Mr Jacques Haniwa Rabio Journalist 081 281 8786 

Special Interest Group Mr Kabona Hesna F.E.C Merchant 081 798 9363 

Special Interest Group Mr Anyasubu Inukadidi AKONGO 081 342 7533 

Special Interest Group Mr Sikiminywa Kalume Jacques Forum Coordinator 081 016 1671 

Special Interest Group Mr Prosper Kaputa ADSSE Project Manager 099 877 2729 081578 1129 

Special Interest Group Mr Nazaliwa Kibaya FEC Councillor 081 262 8542 

Special Interest Group Mr Nuzaliwa Kibaya F.E.C Coordinator 081 262 8542 

Special Interest Group Mr Theodore Kinzanza INPP Office Manager 099 853 9499 081 424 6479 theodorekinzanza@yahoo.fr 

Special Interest Group Mr Paluku Kisonia PISIP/COMUM YIRA 081 388 0511 

Special Interest Group Mr Matthieu Komanda Groupe Equitas Security Officer 081 008 3573 

Special Interest Group Mr Alpha Koyi Anamad Announcer 081 223 6116 

Special Interest Group Mr Bura Kpadinga Catholic Church 081 096 6705 

Special Interest Group Mr Aime Kpaki AJAS 081 085 2893 

Special Interest Group Mr Dieudonne Kpaojanga AJAS Coordinator 081 754 5339 

Special Interest Group Mr Jean Boslo Lalo S.O.C.I.T Coordinator 099 509 6455 081 960 2689 

Special Interest Group Mr Nabintie Leontine Anamad/Forum Coordinator anamadituri@yahoo.fr 

Special Interest Group Mr Nabintu Leontine Nemo Church Coordinator 081 961 4667 

Special Interest Group Mr Alphonse Libonza Nyali Member 081 758 0902 

Special Interest Group Mr Seblon Lifra CEO Coordinator 081 355 2461 

Special Interest Group Mr Oscar Lobela PNUD National 081 924 7622 oscar.lobela@undp.org 

Special Interest Group Mr Katho Lobho ONGD Logistics 081 523 8525 

Special Interest Group Mr Jean Paul Lonema CDJP Announcer 081 560 6912 

Special Interest Group Mr Jean Paul Lonema CDJP/CDC Announcer jplonema@yahoo.fr 

Special Interest Group Mr Jean Paul Lonema CDJP Announcer 081 560 6912

Special Interest Group Mr Tonton Losimba CEO SAD 081 627 3396 

Special Interest Group Mr Rdasi Louise Maman-Catholique Member 

Special Interest Group Mr Willy Lukenba UN-OCHA 

Humanatarian Affairs 

Officer 

099 930 9953 lukemba@un.org 

Special Interest Group Mr Kanyera Mado A.P.D.I Farmer 081 639 0303 

Special Interest Group Mr Dieudy Makano Save the Children Project Manager 099 414 3763 081 685 0204 makamodieudy@yahoo.com 

Special Interest Group Mr Dziju Malosi CDC/FOMI Deputy Coordinator 099 401 7086 formibuninia@yahoo.fr 

Special Interest Group Mr Guillaume Manganga Civil Society Deputy Coordinator 099 868 9637 socit_bunia@yahoo.fr 

Special Interest Group Mr Yvon Matembela District State Protocol 081 615 4620 

Special Interest Group Mr Monbiani Maurice AKONGO 081 591 0710 

Special Interest Group Mr Paluku Mitale A.P.D.I Farmer 099 344 5568 

Special Interest Group Mr Eric Mong CIAK Coordinator 081 305 1627 

Special Interest Group Mr Guillain Mulimbwa Save the Children Senior Field Officer 099 772 2829 

Special Interest Group Mr Ngamika Muna OKIMO Procurement Manager 099 330 8091 081 510 3274 

Special Interest Group Mr Jimmy Munguriek CDC Permanent Secretary 081 513 4070 wbwljimmy@yahoo.fr 

Special Interest Group Mr Jimmy Munguriek CDC Secretary 081 513 4070 wbwljimmy@yahoo.com 

Special Interest Group Mr Peter Mutor Agent de Societe Vodacom Engineer 081 444 3538 

Special Interest Group Mr Peter Mutoro Vodacom Agent 081 444 3538 

Special Interest Group Mr Djuana Muziga 

Special Interest Group Mr Joseph Mwambole Anamad Supervisor 081 641 2085 

Special Interest Group Mr Paulin Nandjanandj 081 200 5382 

Special Interest Group Mr Claudine Nanzili Eglise Chrisco Merchant 081 767 0720 

Special Interest Group Mr Moise Naolokilo Nyali Supervisor 081 758 0902 

Special Interest Group Mr Basegere Ndahura OCEAN Lecturer jpbasegere@yahoo.fr 

Special Interest Group Mr Emile Ndele RHA Environmental Coordinator 24 380 102 729 tanzindele@yahoo.com 

Special Interest Group Mr Emile Ndele R.H.A. Coordinator 081 010 2729 tanzindele@yahoo.com 

Special Interest Group Mr Innocent Ndjango UNIC Student 081 373 9837 

Special Interest Group Mr Solange Ndolea Anamad Announcer 081 751 2681 

Special Interest Group Mr Achille Nebagaro Safari AJAS Coordinator 081 200 7139 ajasbia@yahoo.fr 

Special Interest Group Mr Doka Ngoy Forum Secretary 081 188 6785 

Special Interest Group Mr Basea-Tibise Pascal AKONGO Coordinator 081 343 2112 

Special Interest Group Mr Roger Siwako PPSSP Hygiene Department 081 644 8834 

Special Interest Group Mr Anne Songe Corn. ALVR Nurse 081 397 8383 

Special Interest Group Mr Herabo Sungabo REPRENTANT Farmer

Special Interest Group Mr Loro-Lobu Tanoy Service De La Jeuss Sector Manager 081 562 4716 

Special Interest Group Ms Lara Tertullien PDPNA Coordinator 081 188 2799 

Special Interest Group Mr Budja Theophile UNIC Professor 081 204 1893 

Special Interest Group Mr Paluku Tsongo A.P.D.I President 081 237 0518 

Special Interest Group Mr Midele Tsongo Farmer 099 495 7131 

Special Interest Group Mrs Virginie Ugaya Justice Plus Administration 099 111 5449 081 964 4061 

Special Interest Group Mr Adegitho Ugentho Police 081 065 5628 

Special Interest Group Mr Uvoya Uringu CSC Trade Unionist 081 551 2078 

Special Interest Group Mrs Marie Louise Vronya Geare,famille et en fant Office Manager 099 054 4777 

Special Interest Group Mrs Antoinette Wani Awate Ocean Member 099 434 2423 081 450 4930 

Special Interest Group Mr Lodja-Lay M.D Artisan 

Traditional Authority Mr Banzala Asoga Nyali Locality Chief 081 218 6513 

Traditional Authority Mr Kosiandey Baba Lengwe Avenue Chief 

Traditional Authority Mr Kosi Bokoklese Nyali Locality Chief 081 352 0777 

Traditional Authority Mr Agoyo Lipombo Avenue Chief 081 824 1701 

Traditional Authority Mr Kagbanamo Mabilindey AKONGO Traditional Chief 081 868 6779 

Traditional Authority Mr Lonema Ndrundro Hedu Community Avenue Chief 081 297 3264 

Traditional Authority Mr Matiya Timothee Nyali 081 342 7553



Appendix B: Background Information Document and Notification 


Feasibility Study for the Proposed 


Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION 

What is the purpose of this document? 

Ashanti Goldfields Kilo (AGK) proposes to undertake 

the Mongbwalu Project in the Ituri District of the 

Orientale Province, located in the north-east 

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). AGK is a joint 

venture between AngloGold Ashanti and the Office 

des Mines d’Or de Kilo-Moto (OKIMO), a company 

owned and operated by the Government of the DRC. 

AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) is an international gold 

mining company and the third largest producer of gold 

in the world. Its operations around the world are 

guided by policies and standards, many of which are 

informed by international good practice. Among the 

issues addressed by the policies and standards are 

stakeholder engagement, local development and 

environmental management. 

A feasibility study for the Project is currently underway 

and is expected to be completed in March 2011. A 

key element of the study is to quantify the expected 

impacts, both positive and negative. To this end, an 

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and an 

Environmental Management Plan for the Project 

(EMPP) will be prepared. SRK Consulting (SRK) has 

been appointed as the consultant to lead the EIS for 

the proposed Project, including a stakeholder 

engagement process. 

The EIS and EMPP will be undertaken by SRK, but 

will they will assist AGK to identify and confirm all 

stakeholders with an interest in the project. The 

engagement process will help to highlight suggestions 

and issues of concern that have to be taken into 

account as the project progresses, and which will 

inform the management of the social, economic and 

environmental outcomes of the project. 

This document is designed to give stakeholders 

background information about the proposed Project, 

the Environmental Impact Statement and the 

stakeholder engagement process. It also invites 

stakeholders to participate in the stakeholder 

engagement process by submitting their comments 

and suggestions, and by interacting with the AGK and 

SRK project teams. 

Why is SRK Consulting involved in this process 

– why aren’t AGA, OKIMO and AGK talking to 

stakeholders directly? 

It is important that the EIS process is conducted 

independently and, as such, SRK Consulting has 

been appointed to lead the environmental impact 

assessment for the proposed Project, including the 

stakeholder engagement process. 

AGA, OKIMO and AGK will continue to address 

issues relating to the project directly with 

stakeholders as required. 

Project background 

AGK has a license to explore for gold in an area of 

about 6,000 km 2 called Concession 40. Recent 

exploration has been focused in the area of the former 

Adidi-Kanga Mine near Mongbwalu town. As a result 

of this exploration work, and the identification of a 

potential resource in the area, AGK is undertaking a 

feasibility study to detail the economic viability of 

mining gold in this specific area. 

Figure 1 (page 4) shows the location of the proposed 

Project area. 

What are some of the implications of the 

Project? 

The planning, design and development of the 

proposed Project will impact on the surrounding 

environment and people. Possible t positive impacts 

include: 

• Job opportunities 

• Economic development opportunities in the 

area and region 

• Tax revenue 

Other impacts may include the following: 

• Increased dust and noise 

• Loss of soil and plants 

• Displacement of animals 

• Changes in access to and use of water 

• Loss of agricultural land 

• People having to move their homes and fields 

• Loss of artisanal mining opportunities in the 

project area 

What is the purpose of the Environmental Impact 

Statement? 

The Environmental Impact Statement is produced to 

ensure that the environmental, social and health 

consequences of a project are fully understood and 

that the impacts of the project are adequately 

managed. The EIS will provide valuable input into 

project planning decisions. The EIS for the 

Mongbwalu Project will meet both DRC legal 

requirements and AGA standards 

How and when will Stakeholders be consulted? 

The stakeholder engagement process is an integral 

part of the environmental and social impact 

assessment. Views raised by stakeholders guide the 

Environmental Impact Statement and the Project 

decision-making. 

1

SRK plan plans to hold four rounds of engagement aas 

part 

of the EIS process, as shown below. A fifth round of 

engagement will follow the Government’s decision on 

the permit application. 

The first round of stakeholder engagement (June 

2010) aims to inform stakeholders about the Project, roject, 

the EIS and the stakeholder takeholder engagement ngagement processes 

and to solicit solicit stakeholders’ stakeholders’ comments, comments, concerns, 

concerns, 

views and issues. 

The purpose of the second round (August 2010) is to 

give ive feedback to stakeholders regarding the scope of 

the study and how the issues raised by the 

stakeholders will be incorporated into the EIS. 

The purpose of the third round (February 2011) will 

be to update the communities on the development of 

the EIS and especially on the initial findings of the 

impact assessment. C CComments 

will inform the impact 

assessment report. 

Although the technical feasibility study will be 

complete completed d in March 2011, the stakeholder 

engagement process will continue with round four of 

the engagement meetings (April 2011) ) where the draft 

EIS and EMPP will be presented to stakeholders 

before submission to government for approval. 

The fifth and final ro round (August 2011) of 

stakeholder consultations allows SRK to give 

feedback to the stakeholders regarding the decision of 

the DRC government on the EIS permit application. 

The engagement process will involve meetings at 

which stakeholders will be informed about the Project, 

the potential social, environmental and health 

impacts, and the plans to manage these impacts. 

Specialist studies will be informed by the stakeholder 

engagement process. This will enable communities to 

disclose issues that may need spe special cial investigation. 

Studies to be undertaken include the following: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Climate and air quality 

Soils and land capability 

Terrestrial and aquatic ecology 

Surface and groundwater 

Waste geochemistry 

Noise 

Transportation 

Visual 

Socio-economics economics 


• Artisanal mining 



• Land acquisition and rresettlement 

esettlement 

Stakeholder participation is critically important to the 

EIS process, because comments and inputs t will 

assist to the EIS (and through it AGK) to identify: 

• issues that need to be considered considered and and studied 

studied 

further; 

• alternative ways of undertaking the project. 

Who is a stakeholder? 

A stakeholder is any any person, person, group group or or community 

community 

who o has a vested interest in the project. 

An An initial initial list list of of stakeholders stakeholders is is given given below. below. Should 

Should 

you you know know of of other other groups groups or or people people that that might might be 

be 

affected by or interested in the Project and the EIS 

who are not on this list list, please let us know. 

Authorities 

National and provincial government 

Prime Minister Minister’s office 

Governor 

Planning Ministry 

Ministry of Mines 

Ministry of Finance 

Ministry of Interior 

Ministry of LLabour 

Ministry of Health 

Local government 

Commissioner and officers 

Territorial Administrators and officers 

Mayor and officers 

Traditional Authorities 

Specialist interest groups 

International NGOs 

Security agencies 

Multinational organisations and their agencies 

National organisations 

Local NGOs 

2

Faith based organisations 

AGK employees 

Commerce and business 

OKIMO and other shareholders 

Service parastatals (Regideso) 

South African Embassy 

Affected parties 

All people living in villages in the Mongbwalu area 

Artisanal miners and associated organisations 

including SAESSCAM and EMAK 

Indigenous People 

More about the proposed project at Mongbwalu 

The Project, based on AGA’s experience and as 

currently understood would probably have the 

characteristics as given below. It is important to note 

that these details could change as the Project 

feasibility study progresses. It is also important to 

note that the project will only go ahead on successful 

completion of the feasibility study and with the 

agreement of AGA and OKIMO: 

Products: Gold bullion 

Mining Method: Underground, mechanized mining. 

Mineral processing: A metallurgical gold plant 

involving crushing and milling, gravity concentration 

and flotation, and a cyanidation process. Tails from 

cyanidation would be neutralized through dilution 

and/or a detoxification process. The concentrate 

stream from the cyanidation process would report to 

an electrowinning section and smelt house. 

Tailings facilities: A Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) 

would be built for the storage of tailings from the gold 

plant. A return water dam would also be required. 

Water supply: Water from the TSF would be pumped 

back to the plant and re-used. Additional water would 

be needed for the plant. Underground and surface 

water sources are being considered as supply. It is 

anticipated that a fresh water dam would be 

constructed to supply water to the plant. 

Waste rock: Initially waste rock would be used to 

build the TSF. A waste rock dump would be needed 

thereafter. 

Access and haul roads: The feeder road network 

(80km from Bunia) and supporting infrastructure (for 

example bridges) will need to be upgraded, while site 

access roads will be constructed. 

Power: Currently, the site is fed by hydroelectric 

power from the Budana Power Station and two 

generators. Generators, using diesel or heavy fuel oil, 

will be used for operations. If in future the needs of 

the project can be met through hydroelectric power 

only, the generators would be used as backup power 

supply. 

Supporting infrastructure: Supporting infrastructure 

will include workshops and offices made mostly of 

prefabricated or containerised material or in some 

cases, hydraform bricks and mortar. 

Fuel and reagent storage: Reagent and chemical 

storage areas and pollution control facilities will be 

needed. 

Waste management: Waste and sewage disposal 

sites will be needed. 

Main camp: The existing employee accommodation 

camp may be upgraded to make space for more 

people. Alternatively, a new facility will be 

constructed. 

Planned construction starting date: Mid 2011. 

Planned production starting date: Mid 2013. 

Employment: Labour will be required for construction 

and operations. The numbers remain to be 

determined. Local people with suitable skills will be 

considered for employment. 

How can you become involved or get more 

information about the Project and the EIS? 

• Complete the response sheet at the end of this 

document and post it in one of the comment 

boxes provided (see details on the sheet) or 

return it to Ron Mininger at the AGK Offices in 

Mongbwalu. 

• Contact SRK or AGK (details given below) 

• Attend one of the meetings that we will be holding 

in May and June 2010. 

Contact details 

SRK CONSULTING (South Africa) 

Vuyo Matshikiza 

Public Consultation Coordinator 

vmatshikiza@srk.co.za 

+27 11 441 1021 

SRK CONSULTING (DRC, Lubumbashi) 

Susa Maleba 

Logistics and coordination 

smaleba@srk.co.za 

+243 998 421 594 

ASHANTI GOLDFIELDS KILO (AGK) 

Ron Mininger 

Community and Development Manager 

rmininger@anglogoldashanti.com 

+243 990 900 405 

We look forward to hearing from you! 

3

Figure 1: Project locality map 

4

We request you to complete this response sheet and to drop it off at one of the sealed comment boxes provided. 

These will be located in and around Mongbwalu Town. Should you be unclear on the location of the boxes, please 

contact Ron Mininger at the AGK Offices in Mongbwalu (Tel: +243 990 900 405). 

Your assistance will ensure that our database is kept up to date and that we can include you in the appropriate 

stakeholder engagement strategy according to your interest in the project. 

Should you have any queries do not hesitate to contact Vuyo Matshikiza (+ 27 11 441 1021; vmatshikiza@srk.co.za) 

or Susa Maleba (+243 998 421 594; smaleba@srk.co.za). 

CONTACT DETAILS 

Name 

Company/organisation 

Telephone 

Fax 

E-Mail 

Postal Address 

Mongbwalu Feasibility Study for the Proposed Mongbwalu Project 

YOUR INTEREST IN THE PROJECT 

What is the nature of your business/interest in the 

project? 

RESPONSE SHEET 

Please specify your concerns/issues/alternatives in relation to the proposed development of the Mongbwalu 

Project. 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________ 

WOULD YOU LIKE TO PARTICIPATE FURTHER IN THIS PROJECT YES □ NO □ 

5

DO YOU KNOW OF ANY INDIVIDUAL OR ORGANIZATION THAT SHOULD BE CONSULTED ABOUT THE 

PROPOSED PROJECT? 

Name Surname Organisation Tel Email 

Fax 

6

May 2010> 

 

Dear Sir/Madam 

Partners AN Birtles, JCJ Boshoff, MJ Braune, JM Brown, CD Dalgliesh, JR Dixon, DM Duthe, R Gardiner, T Hart, GC Howell. 

WC Joughin, PR Labrum, DJ Mahlangu, RW McNeill, HAC Meintjes, BJ Middleton, MJ Morris, GP Murray, WA Naismith, 

GP Nel, VS Reddy, PN Rosewarne, PE Schmidt, PJ Shepherd, VM Simposya, AA Smithen, PJ Terbrugge, KM Uderstadt, 

DJ Venter, HG Waldeck, ML Wertz, A Wood 

Directors AJ Barrett, JR Dixon, DJ Mahlangu, BJ Middleton, MJ Morris, PE Schmidt, PJ Terbrugge 

Associates AH Bracken, BM Engelsman, DJD Gibson, SA McDonald, M Ristic, JJ Slabbert, CF Steyn, D Visser, MD Wanless 

Consultants AC Burger, BSc (Hons); IS Cameron-Clarke, PrSci Nat, MSc; JAC Cowan, PrSci Nat, BSc (Hons), JH de Beer, PrSci Nat, MSc; 

GA Jones, PrEng, PhD; TR Stacey, PrEng, DSc; OKH Steffen, PrEng, PhD; RJ Stuart, PrTech Eng, GDE; 

DW Warwick, PrSci Nat, BSc (Hons) 


Reg No 1995.012890.07 



2196 Johannesburg 

PO Box 55291 

Northlands 

2116 South Africa 



Tel: +27 (11) 441 1111 

Fax: +27 (11) 880 8086 

Ashanti Goldfields Kilo Mongbwalu Project: Invitation to attend an information sharing 

meeting as part of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment 

AngloGold Ashanti, through its subsidiary Ashanti Goldfields Kilo (AGK), is undertaking a feasibility study 

of its proposed Mongbwalu Project near Mongbwalu town in the Ituri District, north-east of the Democratic 

Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Project will involve the development of an underground mine and 

associated processing and surface infrastructure that will be used to produce gold. Information about the 

Project is provided in the attached pamphlet. The purpose of the feasibility study is to determine whether 

mining the area is financially viable, technically feasible and environmentally and socially sustainable. 

In compliance with the DRC Mining Code, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and an Environmental 

Management Plan for the Project (EMPP) will be undertaken as part of the feasibility study. AGA has 

appointed SRK Consulting (SRK), an independent consultant, to undertake the EIS and the associated EMPP 

to ensure that all possible impacts are identified, understood and managed. Information about the EIS process 

is provided in the attached pamphlet. 

During the EIS, SRK plans to hold several rounds of stakeholder engagement at which the Mongbwalu 

Project and the EIS will be discussed. The first round of stakeholder engagement will involve a series of 

information sharing meetings whose objectives are to: 

• inform stakeholders about the Mongbwalu Project, the EIS and the Stakeholder Engagement 

processes; 

• solicit stakeholders’ comments, concerns, views and issues regarding the Mongbwalu Project, 

the EIS and the Stakeholder Engagement processes. 

• gather and record the stakeholders’ views for use in guiding the EIS process. 

You are cordially invited to attend one of the initial information sharing meetings. If you are unable to 

participate in the meeting, please send a representative on your behalf. 

The details of the meeting to which you are invited are as follows: 

Cape Town +27 (0) 21 659 3060 

Durban +27 (0) 31 279 1200 

East London +27 (0) 43 748 6292 

Johannesburg +27 (0) 11 441 1111 

Kimberley +27 (0) 53 861 5798 



Pretoria +27 (0) 12 361 9821 

Rustenburg +27 (0) 14 594 1280 

Dar-es-Salaam +25 (5) 22 260 1881 

Harare +263 (4) 49 6182

SRK Consulting Page 2 

Date: 

Time: 

Venue: 

Interpreters will attend these meetings to enable participants to communicate in their preferred language. 

Should you wish to receive additional information regarding the engagement meetings, please do not hesitate 

to contact one of the following people: 

Contact details 

SRK CONSULTING (South Africa) 

Vuyo Matshikiza 

Public Consultation Coordinator 


+27 11 441 1021 

SRK CONSULTING (DRC, Lubumbashi) 

Susa Maleba 

Logistics and coordination 

smaleba@srk.co.za 

+243 998 421 594 

ASHANTI GOLDFIELDS KILO 

Ron Mininger 

Community and Development Manager 

rmininger@anglogoldashanti.com 

+243 990 900 405 

We encourage and look forward to your participation. 

Yours faithfully 


MATV May 2010



Appendix C: Presentation Material used for Stakeholder Consultation 


June 2010 

FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE PROPOSED 

MONGBWALU PROJECT 

Environmental Impact Statement 

(EIS) 

Engagement Meetings (Round 1)

Objectives of the Meeting 

� To inform stakeholders about the project, the 

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and the 

stakeholder engagement process; and 

� To solicit stakeholder comments, concerns, 

views and issues.

Background 

� AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) an international gold mining company; 

� Ashanti Goldfields Kilo (AGK) is a joint venture between AGA and the 

Office des Mines d’Or de Kilo-Moto Moto (OKIMO - owned by the Government 

of the DRC); 

� AGK has a license to explore for gold in an area of about 6,000 km²; 

� Exploration focused around the former Adidi-Kanga Mine near 

Mongbwalu; 

� A feasibility study for the Mongbwalu Project is currently underway, to be 

completed in March 2011; 

� A key part of the study is to identify the expected impacts, positive and 

negative; 

� An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and an Environmental 

Management Plan for the Project (EMPP) will be prepared.

Project locality map

SRK’s role 

SRK Consulting (SRK) is an independent mining consultancy. 

SRK has been appointed as the lead consultant to undertake the 

following: 

�� An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and associated 

Environmental Management Plans for the Project (EMPP) 

� A stakeholder engagement process; and 

� Coordinating a team of specialists that will conduct various 

studies in the area where the Mongbwalu Project will take 

place.

About the project 

� Product: Gold bullion 

� Mining Method: Underground mechanised mining 

� Mineral Processing: Gold plant involving crushing, milling, 

gravity concentration and a cyanidation process. Tails 

neutralised through dilution / detoxification. Concentrate 

goes to electrowinning and smelting 

� Tailings facilities: Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) to be 

built. A return water dam is required 

� Waste rock: Waste rock used to build the TSF. A waste 

rock dump would needed later


� Water supply: TSF water re-used. 

Additional water from 

underground and surface. A fresh water dam may be 

constructed to supply water to the plant 

� Planned construction starting date: Mid 2011 

�� Planned production starting date: Mid 2013 

� Access and haul roads: The road from Bunia will be 

upgraded and site access roads will be constructed 

� Power: The he site is fed by hydroelectric power and two 

generators. Generators will be used for operations, but 

hydroelectric power considered in future


� Supporting infrastructure: : Supporting infrastructure will 

include workshops and offices 

� Fuel and reagent storage: Reagent and chemical storage 

areas and pollution control facilities needed 

�� Waste management: : Waste and sewage disposal sites 

needed 

� Employment: Labour required for construction and 

operations. The numbers remain to be determined. Local 

people with suitable skills considered for employment

Changes in access to and use of water 

Possible Project Implications 

Loss of artisanal 

mining 

opportunities 

People 

moving homes 

and fields 

Loss of 

agricultural 

land 

Changes in 

access to and 

use of water 

Job 

opportunities 

Possible Possible project project project project project project project project 

project 

implications 

implications 

implications 

implications 

Loss of soil 

and plants, 

displacement 

of animals 

Economic 

development 

Tax revenue 

Increased 

dust and 

noise

Purpose of Environmental Impact 

Statement (EIS) 

� The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is produced 

to ensure that the environmental, social and health 

consequences of a project are understood and that the 

impacts of the project are well managed. 

� It provides valuable input into project planning 

decisions. 

� The EIS for the Mongbwalu Project will meet both DRC 

legal requirements and AGA standards

EIS Process – May 2010 to August 2011 

SCOPING (Jun – Aug 2010) 

•First First round of engagement meetings (June 2010) 

•Preliminary Preliminary specialist studies commence 

•Second Second round of engagement meetings (Aug 2010 2010) 

IMPACT ASSESSMENT (Jul 2010 – Jan 2011) 

•Specialist studies continue 

•Impact Impact assessment is undertaken 

•Third Third round of engagement meetings (Feb 2011) 

MANAGEMENT PLANS (Jan 2011 – Mar 2011) 

•Impact Impact mitigation measures and management plans 

•Fourth Fourth round of engagement meetings (April 2011) 

SUBMISSION OF EIS REPORT TO TO 

DRC GOVERNMENT (March (March 2011) 

•Fifth Fifth round of engagement meetings (Aug 2011)


• Soils and land capability 


ecology 

• Surface and groundwater 

• Waste geochemistry 

• Noise 

• Transportation 

Proposed Studies 

• Visual 



• Artisanal mining 



• Land acquisition and 

resettlement

Stakeholders 

Government Special interest groups Affected parties 

•Prime Minister’s office 

•Governor of the Province 

•Planning Ministry 

•Ministry of Mines 

•Ministry of Finance 

•Ministry of Interior 

•Ministry of Labour 

•Ministry of Health 

•District Commissioner & officials 

•Territory Administrator & officials 

•Mayor and officials 

•Traditional authorities 

•International International NGOs 

•Security Security agencies 

•Multinational Multinational organisations and 

their agencies 

•National National organisations 

•Local Local NGOs 

•Faith Faith based organisations 

•AGK AGK employees 

•Commercial Commercial organisations 

•OKIMO OKIMO and other shareholders 

•State State agencies ( (Regideso) 

•South South African Embassy 

•All people living in 

villages in the 

Mongbwalu area 

•Artisanal miners and 

associated 

organisations including 

SAESSCAM and 

EMAK 

•Indigenous People

Contact Details 


(South Africa) 


(Lubumbashi, 

DRC) 

Vuyo Matshikiza Susa Maleba Ron Mininger 

Public consultation 

Coordinator 


+27 11 441 1021 

Logistics and 

coordination 

smaleba@srk.co.zas 

+243 998 421 594 

Ashanti Goldfields 

Kilo (AGK) 

Community and 

Development Manager 

rmininger@anglogoldashanti 

.com 

+243 990 900 405



Appendix D: Minutes of Information Sharing Meetings 


SRK Consulting (SA) (Pty) Ltd 




P O Box 55291 


South Africa 



Tel: +27 (0) 11 441 1111 

Fax:+27 (0) 11 880 8086 

Feasibility Study for the proposed Mongbwalu Project - Environmental Impact 

Statement 

Minutes from the protocol meeting with the Mayor of Mongbwalu 

Location: Mayor’s residence 

Date: Monday 31 May 2010 

Time: 09h20 

Introductions and Welcome 

1 Background 

The SRK stakeholder engagement team and Ron Mininger, Community and Development Manager, 

AGK, met with the Mayor and his officers at the Mayor’s home. 

1.1 Welcome 

The Mayor welcomed all present. 

1.2 Introductions 

The Mayor introduced himself and his officials. Ron Mininger introduced himself, as did the 

members of the SRK consultation team (for a complete list of attendees, please refer to Appendix 1). 

1.3 Context of the meeting 

Ron Mininger explained that purpose of the meeting was to inform the Mayor about the ESHIA 

consultation process in and around Mongbwalu, and to secure his support. 

The Mayor expressed appreciation for AGK’s and SRK’s efforts to initiate communication about the 

Mongbwalu project. He noted that if the community is well informed, it will prevent conflict. It is 

important that the community understands the project from start to finish. He offered to provide a 

historical overview of mining in the area. His presentation is summarised in Table 1. 

Tim Hart then provided a brief context to the consultation process, noting that a variety of 

stakeholders were to be consulted, including some at District, Regional and National levels. He 

noted that five rounds of consultation would be held in and around Mongbwalu. 

1.4 Information documents 

Background Information Documents (BID) in French were distributed to meeting attendees. 

MATV Mongbwalu Project: 414878 June 2010

SRK Consulting Page 2 of 5 

Table 1: Issues discussed at the meeting 

Category Participant Comment / question Response 

History of mining J.P. Bikili Senge, Brief history of Mongbwalu: 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) 

in and around Chef de Cité, 

• Thank you for this very useful 

Mongbwalu Mongbwalu • Before mining activities came to the area in the early 1900s, indigenous overview. 

peoples like the Njala, the Eliesi and the pygmies lived in the 

• Do you know of any organisation, 

Mongbwalu area. 

company, individual or group you 

• In the early years, the Congo was under the control of King Leopold II would like us to talk to? Please let 

of Belgium. 

us know if we have omitted someone 

• The Belgians sent an exploration team in the area, comprising Mssrs. 

Aman and Ubrera. 

from our list of stakeholders. 

• The positive results of the exploration prompted the Belgians to create 

the Société des Mines d'Or de Kilo-Moto (SOKIMO). SOKIMO’s head 

office was built near the Kilo Commune. 

• SOKIMO initially mined the area using small scale mining methods 

and local artisanal mining labour, but soon decided to exploit the gold 

on an industrial scale. 

• To achieve this, three hydroelectric power stations were built: 

Solenyama 1 and 2, and Budana. 

• Budana was built in phases and the last generator was installed between 

1938 and 1940. This generator had a capacity of 650 kVA. 

• It was only between 1935 and 1940 that mining on an industrial scale 

really started. This lead to the creation of many mines including in 

Tabaka, Mongbwalu, Kilo, Lesi and Lakama. These provided income 

to Belguim, and the Belgian queen was so impressed she visited 

Lakama. 

• In 1960, when the Congo gained its independence, most Belgians left 

the country. Some who worked for Kilo-Moto stayed for approximately 

two years after the independence. When they left, they destroyed many 

mines including Senzela, Lakama and Nyamasa. 

• The government took control of SOKIMO and its structure changed. 

SOKIMO was transformed to Office des Mines d’Or de Kilo-Moto 

(OKIMO). 

• OKIMO produced large quantities of gold. In the 80s OKIMO 

produced around 800kg of gold per month. 


SRK Consulting Page 3 of 5 Page 3 of 5 


• Under Mobutu, OKIMO was mismanaged, and its productivity 

decreased. 

• During the late 80s, OKIMO struggled to stay afloat so they asked for 

external funding from a French company. OKIMO also went to the 

World Bank for financing. The World Bank funded a study by a 

Canadian company called Kilbourn. A Brazilian company called 

Andrade Gutierez was also involved. However, the company was 

thrown out by Mobutu as they refused an invitation by him to go to 

Kinshasa to present the findings of their research. 

• The Congolese government asked the African Bank for funding. The 

funds were used to refurbish much of the infrastructure we see today. 

• OKIMO never really recovered from the difficult socio-political 

situation Mobutu created, and decided to make a portion of its 

concessions available to foreign companies from the 90’s. 

• Kilo Moto Mining International (KIMIN) was established as a joint 

venture between a European company and OKIMO. 

• Due to the difficult political environment, the IFC decided to terminate 

funding that was meant to go to KIMIN. 

• KIMIN asked the Bureau de Recherche Geologique et Minier (BRGM) 

for some funds. 

• OKIMO partnered with faith-based organisations such as the church to 

invest in schools and hospitals. 

• OKIMO was paternalistic in its approach because it provided 

everything to people. This is the reason why Congolese people have 

become very lazy. 

• We hope that through your work, local people will become independent 

and learn to do things themselves. 

Brief history of artisanal mining: 

• Artisanal mining really took off in the 1970’s. 

• Previously, it was forbidden for artisanal miners to exploit the local 

minerals. 

• The only people who were allowed to get into the concession were 

people who lived in the area, civil servants and members of the 

Catholic Church – anyone else needed a permit to enter. 

MATV Mongbwalu Project 414878 June 2010

SRK Consulting Page 4 of 5 Page 4 of 5 


• In the latter part of the 80’s, things deteriorated for OKIMO because 

Mobutu lost control of the country. 

• Mobutu allowed artisanal mining to take place from 1982 onward 

because he was unable to provide for the miners. 

• Artisanal mining was initially limited to areas outside the concession. 

OKIMO was powerless in preventing people from moving into its 

concession. It was then that OKIMO decided to work with artisanals 

and allocated specific sites on which artisanal miners could work 

without being disturbed. 

• The activities of the artisanal miners have serious environmental, social 

and economic impacts. 

• I hope OKIMO and AGK can work together to find solutions to 

mitigate these impacts 

• The relationship between the government and OKIMO continues to this 

J.P. Bikili Senge, 

Chef de Cité, 


day. 

The Mayor thanked attendees and closed the meeting 

It is the first time we have guest like you in Mongbwalu. How long will 

you stay for? 

MATV Mongbwalu Project 414878 June 2010 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – This 

visit will extend over a period of about 

ten days, with around a week in 

Mongbwalu. The four forthcoming visits 

will also be about ten days long. Future 

visits are scheduled as follows: 

• August 2010 

• February 2011 

• May 2011 

• August 2011


Appendix 1: List of attendees 






P O Box 55291 


South Africa 



Tel: +27 (0) 11 441 1111 

Fax:+27 (0) 11 880 8086 



Minutes from the meeting with the Mongbwalu Tax Officer 

Location: Mongbwalu Tax Office 


Time: 11h10 

1 Introductions and Welcome 

1.1 Background 

The SRK stakeholder engagement team and Ron Mininger, Community and Development Manager, 

AGK, met with officials of the Direction Générale d’Impôts at the office of the Direction. 

1.2 Welcome 

Team members were welcomed by Thérèse Kiza who is the Deputy Director of the local Direction 

Générale d’Impôts. 


Ms Kiza introduced herself and a senior official in her office (Mr Démas Masumbuko). Ron 

Mininger introduced himself, as did the members of the SRK consultation team (for a complete list 

of attendees, please refer to Appendix 1). 

2 Context of the meeting 

Ron Mininger explained that purpose of the meeting was to inform the Tax Officer about the ESHIA 

consultation process in and around Mongbwalu. Tim Hart of SRK Consulting provided a brief 

context to the consultation process, noting that a variety of stakeholders were to be consulted, at 

local, District, Regional and National levels. 

The Deputy Director initiated discussion by articulating issues related to AGK’s tax commitments 

and payments. The meeting then explored the range of locally-applicable taxes and concluded with 

consideration of the tax regime and compliance of artisanal mining. Table 1 presents an overview 

of the issues that were discussed at the meeting. 

3 Information documents 

Background Information Documents (BID) in French were distributed to meeting attendees. 



Table 1: Issues raised at the meeting 


Taxes Thésèse Kiza, 

Mongbwalu, 

Deputy 

Director,Tax 

Office 

Paul Kapelus 

(Synergy 

Consulting, part 

of the ESIA team) 

• Thank you for visiting this office. 

Unfortunately the building is so 

dilapidated that it hardly resembles an 

office. 

• The office was established two months 

ago because of the arrival AGK. Since 

AGK pays its tax directly to our office 

in Kinshasa, we do not have much 

work. 

• Companies that make more than USD 

1 million a year pay their taxes 

directly to Kinshasa. 

• AGK is requested to tell its 

subcontractors to interact with this 

office more regularly. This will give 

us more work and hopefully improve 

the Mongbwalu economic 

environment. 

• There have been issues between AGK 

and the tax office that still need to be 

resolved. 

Ron Mininger (Anglo Goldfields Kilo) – As the consultation process 

progresses there will be opportunities to discuss issues and concerns. The 

purpose of this meeting is to outline the proposed project and to provide 

an indication of where and when we will meet with the stakeholders. An 

economic study will be done by one of the specialists participating in 

environmental and social impact assessment over the coming months. 

Who pays taxes in Mongbwalu? Thésèse Kiza, Mongbwalu Tax Office – The main types of tax are: 

• Income tax. Here there are three main rates. The tax levied on daily 

workers is 15%. The rate levied on permanent workers is progressive 

and that applying to expatriates is 25%. 

• Sales or service tax (similar to VAT). When a service is rendered to 

company, the government takes 5% of the invoiced amount. If the 

service is provided to individuals, the government claims 18%. 

• Tax on gold production. The person who owns a right to exploit a 

portion of the concession has to pay US$ 700 a year. This is an 

agreement between OKIMO and the person with the permit. People 

buying the gold also have to pay a tax. 

• Wholesale goods are usually taxed between one and two percent. This 




money goes to the Central Bank in Bunia. Ten percent returns to this 

office, 50% stays in Bunia and the rest is a bonus for the people who 

Paul Kapelus 

(Synergy 

Consulting) 

Démas 

Masumbuko, 

Collections 

Supervisor, tax 

office 

How about those who do not have a 

permit, do they pay taxes? If so, to whom 

do they pay the tax? 

• I am concerned that AGK is not 

declaring everything. The company 

has to be transparent. 

• We will ask one of our representatives 

to attend the meeting you will have 

this afternoon. 

work in the tax offices. 

Thésèse Kiza, Mongbwalu Tax Office 

• These parties are generally regarded as bad payers. If they operate in 

the concession and do not have exploitation permits, they are there 

illegally. A penalty is levied against them. 

• If the miner cannot pay the required tax, the Tax Office and the 

person exploiting the gold usually come to some kind of 

understanding. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Tax compliance is a matter between 

AGK and the Tax Office. Thank you for the information on the local tax 

regime. We look forward to seeing a representative at this afternoon’s 

meeting. 

The Deputy Director closed the meeting and thanked participants. Tim Hart thanked the Deputy Director on behalf of the team. 

MATV MOngbwalu Project 414878 June 2010



MATV Mongbwalu Project: 414878 June2010





Associate 

Partners 


MD Wanless 


GA Jones, PrEng, PhD; TR Stacey, PrEng, DSc; OKH Steffen, PrEng, PhD; PJ Terbrugge, PrSci Nat, MSc; DW Warwick, PrSci 

Nat, BSc (Hons) 






P O Box 55291 


South Africa 



Tel: +27 (0) 11 441 1111 

Fax:+27 (0) 11 880 8086 



Minutes from the meeting with members of the Mongbwalu Stakeholder Forum 

Location: Forum meeting venue, Mongbwalu 


Time: 14h30 



The meeting started on time, but some participants arrived late. The meeting was very well attended, 

and Forum membership was well represented. Table 1 below highlights the issues that were 

discussed. Background Information Documents (BID, in Swahili or French) were distributed to all 

attendees at the meeting. 

1.2 Welcome 

Ron Mininger, Community and Development Manager, AGK welcomed all present. 


Ron Mininger introduced the members of the SRK consultation team, and invited meeting 

participants to introduce themselves (for a complete list of attendees, please refer to Appendix 1). 

He briefly outlined the context of the meeting, and handed over to the engagement facilitator, Tim 

Hart. 

2 Presentation 

2.1 Medium and Interpretation 

Tim Hart of SRK Consulting made a presentation on the proposed project and the environmental and 

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social impact assessment process, using a Powerpoint presentation in French to illustrate relevant 

themes. These themes are outlined in Section 2.2 below. French interpretation was provided by 

Vuyo Matshikiza of SRK. 

2.2 Themes 

2.2.1 Purpose of the meeting 

The purpose of the meeting was to: 

• Inform stakeholders about the proposed Project, the EIS and the stakeholder engagement 

process; and 

• Solicit stakeholder comments, concerns, views and issues. 

2.2.2 Background 

Tim Hart provided background to the meeting: 

• AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) is an international gold mining company, and Ashanti Goldfields 

Kilo (AGK) is a joint venture between AGA and the Office des Mines d’Or de Kilo-Moto 

(OKIMO, owned by the government of the DRC); 

• AGK has a licence to explore for gold in an area of about 6000 km², but exploration has 

focussed around the former Adidi-Kanga mine near Mongbwalu; 

• AGK is undertaking a feasibility study for the Mongbwalu Project, to be completed in March 

2011; 

• An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Environmental Management Plan for the Project 

(EMPP) must be prepared. 

2.2.3 SRK’s role 

Mr Hart explained SRK’s role, noting that SRK is an independent mining consultancy that has been 

appointed to undertake and lead the following: 

• An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and associated Environmental Management Plans for 

the Project (EMPP); 

• A stakeholder engagement process; and 

• Coordinating a team of specialists that will conduct various studies in the Mongbwalu area. 

2.2.4 Project description 

Tim Hart described elements of the proposed Project, noting that the Project description is 

preliminary in nature, pending the outcomes of the feasibility study. The elements are summarised 

below: 

• The product of the mine will be gold bullion; 

• Underground mechanised mining is proposed; 

• A metallurgical plant will extract gold through a process involving crushing, milling, gravity 

concentration, flotation and cyanidation. Tails will be neutralised, and the concentrate will go to 

electrowinning and smelting; 

• A tailings storage facility (TSF) will be built, with a return water dam; 

• Water from the TSF will be re-used. Additional water sources are being considered 

(underground and surface), and it is anticipated that a fresh water dam will be constructed to 

supply the plant; 

• Waste rock will be used to construct the TSF. Thereafter a waste rock dump will be required; 

• The feeder road from Bunia will be upgraded, and site access roads will be constructed; 

• Hydropower and generators provide electricity at present. Diesel / heavy oil generators will be 

used for operations, and hydropower is also possible; 

• Supporting infrastructure includes workshops and offices; 

• Storage areas and pollution control facilities will be provided for reagents and chemicals; 

• Waste and sewage disposal facilities will be required; 

• The existing employee accommodation camp may be upgraded, or new facilities may be 

constructed; 



• It is planned that construction will start mid-2011, and that production will commence mid- 

2013; 

• Labour will be required for construction and operations, but the exact numbers remain to be 

determined. Local people with suitable skills will be considered for employment. 

2.2.5 Possible Project implications 

Tim Hart outlined potential impacts of the proposed Project, noting that many of these are typical of 

mining operations in general: 

• Socio-economic impacts: job opportunities, local and regional development opportunities, tax 

revenue for government, possible physical and economic displacement affecting households in 

the Project footprint, possible loss of artisanal mining opportunities in these areas; 

• Water impacts: possible changes in community access to and use of local water resources; 

• Noise and dust impacts: increased dust and noise; 

• Biodiversity and natural environment impacts: loss of soils and indigenous plants in mine 

footprint areas, and displacement of local fauna in footprint areas and areas of increased human 

activity. 

2.2.6 Purpose of the Environmental Impact Statement 

Mr Hart noted that the impact assessment will identify the impacts of the Project in detail. He 

explained the purpose of the EIS as follows: 

• An EIS is produced to ensure that the environmental, social and health consequences of a project 

are understood and that the impacts of the project are well managed; 

• It provides input to project planning decisions; 

• The EIS for the Mongbwalu Project will meet both DRC legal requirements and AGA standards. 

2.2.7 EIS process 

Tim Hart outlined the proposed EIS process, noting that it moves through four distinct phases: 

Scoping (June to August 2010), Impact Assessment (July 2010 to January 2011), development of 

Management Plans (January 2011 to March 2011), and submission of the draft EIS to the regulatory 

bodies of the DRC government (March 2011) followed by finalisation of the reports. 

Mr Hart explained that five rounds of consultation with community and other stakeholders would 

accompany the EIS: two rounds and the beginning and end of Scoping respectively (June 2010 and 

August 2010 – to begin identifying issues, and to share scoping findings and specialist terms of 

reference), a third round after the Impact Assessment phase (February 2011 – to share and discuss 

impact findings), a fourth round at the end of the Management Planning phase (April 2011 – to share 

and discuss proposed mitigation measures and management plans, and the wider content of the draft 

EIS submitted to government), and a fifth round to discuss the views of the government on the EIS, 

and decisions made by them. 

2.2.8 Specialist studies 

The following specialist studies are envisaged for the EIS: 

• Climate and air quality; 

• Soils and land capability; 

• Terrestrial and aquatic ecology; 

• Surface and groundwater; 

• Waste geochemistry; 

• Noise; 

• Transportation; 

• Visual impacts; 

• Socio economics; 

• Cultural heritage; 

• Artisanal mining; 


• Conflict and human rights; 



• Land acquisition and resettlement. 

2.2.9 Project stakeholders 

Tim Hart noted that the Mongbwalu Project has many stakeholders, some with a specific interest and 

others potentially affected by the project. He explained that the EIS process would seek to engage 

with as many of the stakeholders as possible. He listed stakeholders identified to date, in three broad 

categories: 

• Affected parties within the Mongbwalu concession; 

• Special interest groups; 

• Authorities and regulators. 

Mr Hart pointed out that the stakeholder list would be expanded as new stakeholders are identified, 

and urged meeting participants to assist with this identification. He noted that a special form was 

attached to the BID for this purpose. 

2.2.10 Feedback and contact details 

Tim Hart explained that the EIS consultation and engagement process should not be limited to 

meetings. He encouraged ongoing commentary and feedback from stakeholders, and noted the ways 

in which stakeholders could contact SRK: 

• Directly, telephonically or via e-mail, to Vuyo Matshikiza or Susa Maleba; 

• Directly, through comment boxes placed at accessible points in the communities around the 

proposed Mongbwalu Project (one is already in place on the premises of the Mongbwalu 

Development Forum); 

• Indirectly through Ron Mininger, the Community and Development Manager at AGK 





Category Participant Comment/question Response 

EIS scope of work CAFOD What is the difference between a 

prefeasibility study, a feasibility study and 

an impact assessment? 

Francoise Busi, 

Development 

Coordinator, 

CENADEFRUC 

Jean-Paul 

Lolema, 

Moderator, 

• Has the feasibility study already been 

undertaken? 

• Could you provide more information 

about where the mine’s infrastructure 

is going to be? 

• Can you indicate when you will meet 

with the communities? 

• Can you say with certainty that AGK 

will use an underground mine? 

Is the study going to consider the impacts 

that have already been created by the 

artisanal miners? Will there be 


• Prefeasibility and feasibility studies are technical assessments undertaken 

by a variety of technical specialists. During prefeasibility, the company 

tries to determine if there are fatal flaws and whether mining the area is 

feasible. The feasibility study is more detailed. Here, the mining company 

looks into project costs, the location of the ore body and the infrastructure 

required to operate a mine. In this project, the prefeasibility and the 

feasibility are running concurrently. 

• An impact assessment is required because it helps planners and regulators 

to understand the physical and social environment at the beginning of a 

project in order to minimise the negative impacts and to enhance the 

positive impacts of the project. 

Ron Mininger (AGK) 

• The feasibility study is underway. The government has indicated its 

support for the study. At this stage it is not possible to indicate exactly 

where the infrastructure will be. The feasibility study will help us 

determine the best location for the infrastructure. The impact assessment 

is linked to the feasibility study, and must be done under the provisions of 

the Code Minier. 


• A series of meetings with communities will take place as part of the EIS 

process. Five rounds of consultation are planned, including these 

meetings. Future meetings will be in August 2010, February 2011, April 

2011 and August 2011. 

• The feasibility study will determine the exact mining method as well as the 

infrastructure necessary to mine the ore body. At present the feasibility 

study is focusing on underground mining. 


• Artisanal mining and its implications will be addressed as part of the 

baseline assessments (social, water etc.). 




C.D.J.P management plans in place? 

• Management plans will be developed. These will focus on the 

management of impacts and benefits related to AGK’s proposed mining 

Resettlement Elisabeth Love 

Love, Teacher, 

Civil Society 

Gila Will the mitigation measures you spoke 

about be determined by the specialists or 

will communities also have an input? Who 

is responsible for the implementation of 

these mitigation measures - AGK or the 

government? 

Dieudy Makano, 

Project Manager, 

Save The 

Children 

EIS outcome Antoine 

Bahemuka, B.T 

network, OKIMO 

Is it clear whether people will have to 

move, and which people will be affected? 

If resettlement is required how will the 

government tackle the issue? 

• It is good that you have highlighted 

the potential impacts. 

• What about the schools that may need 

to be relocated? 

• You should have mentioned more 

positive social development impacts. 

• Will the EIS have an impact on 

whether the project goes ahead or not? 

MATV Mongbwalu Project: 414878 June 2010 

project. 


• The specialists will play an important role in defining the impacts and 

suggesting the mitigation measures. The proposed measures will be 

discussed with communities through the consultation process, and they 

will be given an opportunity to express their views and concerns. 

• AGK is responsible for managing the impacts, according the management 

plans. Many of the impacts are best managed when the mine and 

communities cooperate, especially around potential benefits. Government 

should monitor from time to time to be sure that AGK adheres to its 

management undertakings. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) - The location of the required infrastructure is 

still being considered in the feasibility study. The EIS process might inform the 

position of the infrastructure, limiting resettlement. The proposed underground 

mine should reduce the mine footprint and the disturbance to communities. It is 

however seldom that there is no displacement when a mining project is 

developed. Where displacement is necessary, a fully negotiated resettlement 

and compensation plan will be developed. We will provide more information 

on the location of infrastructure as it becomes available. 


• The list we have presented here is preliminary, based on our observations 

and past experience. We have been careful not to speculate on impacts 

that might not materialise. The positive development impacts are 

important, and the detailed EIS will identify and expand on these. 

• If any schools are to be relocated this will be part of the negotiated plan 

mentioned earlier. 


• Yes, since it is part of the feasibility study.



Construction of the 

mine 

Employment 

opportunities 

Ortina • If the mining area is deemed profitable 

by the mine what comes next? What 

gets constructed first? Is it the mine or 

is it the infrastructure that 

Participant 

(details not 

captured) 

Elisabeth Love 

Love, Teacher, 

Civil Society 

Capacity building Dieudy Makano, 


Save The 

Children 

Electricity Francoise Busi, 

Development 

Coordinator, 

CENADEFRUC 

accompanies it? 

There is already some infrastructure on 

site. Why do you need to build new ones? 

If the mine uses modern technology, you 

can be sure that not many people will be 

employed. Will there be alternative 

projects to accommodate those who do not 

have jobs? 

Gila Even though the mine is only in the 

exploration phase, you have already 

identified potential impacts, notably the 

relocation of artisanal miners. This is a 

matter for concern. What about the 

communities that depend entirely on 

artisanal mining? Will the mine let 

artisanal miners know about future plans? 

People in Mongbwalu have had the 

opportunity to go to school. The skills 

necessary to participate in this project are 

specialised. Could AGK think about 

building schools? Can this project 

incorporate capacity building to enable 

people to find work? 

Will you refurbish the current turbines or 

will you build a new power station? I think 

it is necessary that the Mongbwalu 

population also benefits from the mining 

activity. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) - The infrastructure and the mine will be 

constructed at the same time. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) - The infrastructure presently on site serves the 

exploration activities. Some of this may be used later, but the mining 

operation will also need new infrastructure – for example the proposed plant. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) - It is the case that the jobs available will be 

limited. We are not in a position to provide numbers at the moment, but will 

share this information with you in future meetings. There will be opportunities 

for mine-related work, and if the economy grows there will be other 

opportunities too. We will look at these in the baseline assessment, and will 

address local employment in our management plans. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) - We recognise the importance of artisanal 

mining in the area and the incomes communities derive from it. The potential 

impacts on artisanal mining are not clear yet, but we have to recognise the 

possibility that they will occur. We will have specialists looking carefully at 

artisanal mining and its relationship with the proposed mine. Once this is 

understood, we will look at management measures to minimise impacts, and 

perhaps to realise opportunities. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Many people ask about jobs, but the capacity 

to do them is also important. The establishment of the mine may well create 

opportunities, and it would be good if local people have the skills to engage 

them. At this stage it is not possible to comment on the construction of 

schools, but their importance is well recognised. The baseline will look at 

education and infrastructure, and the management plans may well address 

ways to promote positive impacts through capacity building. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Various options are being considered in the 

feasibility study. We will provide more information as it becomes available. 

Mining method Dieudy Makano, Your presentation spoke about access Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – The feasibility is still being undertaken, where 





Save The 

Children 

roads but you said nothing about rail. How 

will you extract the mineral from the 

shaft? 

EIS process CAFOD Which of the two teams will have the 

greatest influence on the outcome of this 

project? Will it be the environmental team 

or the feasibility team? The needs of the 

communities need to be taken into 

account. 

Communication 

strategy 

Conflict 

management 

Francoise Busi, 

Development 

Coordinator, 

CENADEFRUC 

Jean-Paul 

Lolema, 

Moderator, 

C.D.J.P 

Perhaps add email addresses over and 

above the suggestion boxes. 

This information sharing session is useful. 

It has been a while since this has been 

done here. You should organise similar 

meetings with the communities and in 

Bunia because it may also impact people 

living there. The forum can help to 

identify the people to be engaged. 

CAFOD The mine operates in an area where the 

demobilisation of child soldiers is a 

reality. You need to take that into 

consideration in order to avoid conflicts. 

Tim Hart thanked the participants and closed the meeting 

transport options are being considered. Road transport is the preferred regional 

and on-site option at present, but as pointed out the ore will also have to be 

moved out of the mine. We will clarify this arrangement when we have the 

information. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – The two teams will interact. This will assist 

with minimising impacts and finding solutions that benefit the affected 

communities. Five rounds of consultation will be organised so that community 

views and needs are understood and considered. 

Ron Mininger (AGK) – In addition to these meetings, we will place 

suggestion boxes in and around Mongbwalu, to enable community members to 

contact SRK between meetings. Members of this Forum are invited to tell us if 

these boxes do or do not work. It is our job to make this consultation process as 

effective as possible. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – These will be provided. Thank you for your 

suggestion. 

Ron Mininger (AGK) – We have already organised meeting with various 

Mongbwalu communities. These will take place during this week. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – SRK has identified as many stakeholders as 

possible. These are listed in the presentation and also in the BID documents 

that have been made available to you. We would welcome suggestions of 

additional stakeholders from the Forum. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) - We are well aware of the legacy of conflict in 

this area. Some of our specialists will be looking at conflict and human rights 

issues. 




MATV Forum meeting - 31 May 2010 TH review.doc June 2010





P O Box 55291 


South Africa 



Tel: +27 (0) 11 441 1111 

Fax:+27 (0) 11 880 8086 



Minutes from meetings with traditional chiefs (Mabilindey and Pluto) 

Location: Chief’s compound, Mabilindey 

Date: Tuesday 01 June 2010 

Time: 09h15 

Location: Restaurant, Pluto 

Date: Tuesday 01 June 2010 

Time: 11h00 



The meeting with the traditional chiefs took place at two different venues. In the morning, the 

stakeholder engagement team drove to Mabilindey to meet with Mabilindey’s traditional leaders. 

After that, the team drove to Pluto to meet with Tchibi Tchibi’s community leaders in the afternoon. 

The meeting in Mabilindey took place in the chief’s compound and the one in Pluto took place in a 

restaurant. 

Overall, these meetings were well attended and the attendees were happy for the prospect of dialogue 

between AGK and community members. These sets of minutes provide a summary of the issues that 

were discussed at the two meetings. Copies of the posters were given to the chief in Mabilindey and 

copies of French Background Information Documents (BIDs) were distributed at both meetings. 

1.2 Welcome 

In Mabilindey, Kagbanamo Mbi Hilair (Mabilindey’s traditional chief and Chef de Groupement), 

welcomed all present. In Pluto, Bandetena Emile (Pluto’s Chef de Groupement), welcomed all 

present. 




The engagement facilitator Tim Hart introduced the SRK team. For a complete list of attendees, 

please refer to Appendix 1. 




social impact assessment process, using posters in French to illustrate relevant themes. These themes 

are outlined in Section 2.2 below. French was provided by Mr Vuyo Matshikiza from SRK. 

2.2 Themes 



• Ashanti Goldfields Kilo (AGK) is undertaking a feasibility study for the Mongbwalu Project; 


(EMPP) must be prepared; 

• SRK Consulting has been appointed as an independent service provider to lead the EIS and 

EMPP processes; and 

• Stakeholders have to be consulted during the EIS process. 




process; and 



Tim Hart explained that a feasibility study is currently underway to assess the viability of the 

Project, and options for its development. He pointed out that the decision to proceed will only be 

taken if the feasibility study is positive. He described elements of the proposed project, noting that 

the Project description is preliminary in nature. The elements are summarised below: 




concentration, flotation and cyanidation; 


• Water from the TSF will be re-used. Additional water sources are being considered, and it is 

anticipated that a fresh water dam will be constructed to supply the plant; 









constructed; 

• It is planned that construction will start mid-2011, and that production will commence mid-2013; 


















2.2.5 Potential impacts and benefits 

Tim Hart noted that the impact assessment will identify the impacts of the Project in detail. Against 

this background, he outlined potential impacts, noting that many of these are typical of mining 

operations: 








activity. 








• Noise; 







• Conflict and human rights; and 






categories: 






















Category Participant Comment/ question Response 

Meeting with traditional leaders in Mabilindey 

Mining infrastructure Kagbanamo Mbi Thanks for the explanation and for Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) - AGK is currently undertaking a 

Hilair, Traditional informing us of the purpose of your visit. feasibility study. The feasibility study will determine and finalise the 

Chief and Chef de Please provide us with more information location of infrastructure. No final decisions have been made yet, and we 

Groupement, regarding the location of the future are in a position to influence these decisions based on our consultations 

Mabilindey infrastructure. The mine’s infrastructure and findings. SRK will return for further consultations with leaders and 

will affect our communities and I would the communities and will provide more information as it becomes 

like to let them know about the potential available. It is important to know that your input through several rounds 

impacts. 

of consultation will be fed back to the feasibility process. 

Water/Communication Traditional • We are very happy that AGK is Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – The work we are here to do will also 

strategy 

Leader, 

considering an underground mine look into the positive impacts the mine will have – not only the negative 

Mabilindey 

because open cast mines have severe ones. There may well be development outcomes, and these are most 

impacts on the environment. 

likely to happen if the mine and communities work together. Through a 

continual relationship between the mine and communities everyone can 

• Our living conditions are bad. We understand the details of this project and the impacts that might affect 

have neither potable water nor 

electricity. Can AGK help in that 

them. 

Communication 

strategy 

Kagbanamo Mbi 

Hilair, Traditional 

Chief and Chef de 

Groupement, 

Mabilindey 

Resettlement Traditional 

Leader, 

Mabilindey 

Roads Traditional 

Leader, 

Mabilindey 

regard? 

It is important to have adequate and 

reliable communication channels between 

us and the mine. 

In your presentation you spoke about 

resettlement. We are strongly against this. 

Our ancestors have left relics in our 

villages and it would a shame if they were 

disturbed. 

In addition to the Bunia – Mongbwalu 

road, can AGK also refurbish the 

Mongbawalu – Lodjo and Mongbwalu - 

Andrisa roads and other secondary roads? 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Through the ESHIA process we will 

have several rounds of consultation with leaders and communities. We 

will also be talking to government departments, NGOs, CBOs, and faith 

based organisations. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – We understand that a resettlement is 

undesirable. The establishment of a mine requires that some land is used 

and in the process some people may lose land and assets. Through our 

studies we will seek to inform the feasibility process, and to help to avoid 

resettlement as for as possible. The project has specialist who will look 

into resettlement and cultural heritage issues. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – The upgrading of the Bunia – 

Mongbwalu road is the priority, and I cannot comment on the other 

refurbishments suggested. Your suggestion has been noted. 



Infrastructure 

development 

Traditional 

leader, 

Mabilindey 

Traditional 

Leader, 

Mabilindey 

AGK has been here for some time now. 

To this day, the company has not done 

much in the community. It would be really 

appreciated if AGK was to build 

something the community can remember 

the company by, for example a school or a 

hospital. 

AGK’s exploration activities are affecting 

the communities deeply. Since the arrival 

of AGK, many people have come to the 

area to find work. As a result, our 

classrooms are full and there is not enough 

room for our school-going children. We 

have compiled a list of requests we would 

like AGK to consider: 

• Education - primary and secondary 

school facilities; 

• Remuneration for teachers for these 

school(s); 

• Health – we need a hospital, and a 

maternity ward; 

• Potable water – the water quality we 

have in our community is inadequate. 

Please help us with clean water; 

• Although we want our people to find 

employment, we recognise that our 

people do not have the appropriate 

skills. Please help us train our 

community members; 

• We would like AGK to help us 

acquire some machinery for our agropastoral 

activities; 

• We need a small facility where the 

administrators of this village can meet 

to discuss community issues; 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – As noted earlier, there should be benefits 

that flow from this project. It is best that the mine and the community 

decide together on what these benefits ought to be. Your suggestion is 

noted. 

Ron Mininger (AGK) – Thanks for your comments. We will need to 

work together in order to identify the benefits and possible projects . 


• Thank you for taking the time to consider and list you r development 

needs. An important part of our work is to understand the benefits 

that the proposed project might provide. It is appropriate that the 

surrounding communities have access to these benefits. 

• With reference to the specific requests, it would be best if they were 

tabled at a discussion between the community and AGK. We have 

recorded your request, and we are sure Ron Mininger has taken note. 



Meeting with traditional leaders in Pluto 

Communication 

strategy 

Sustainable 

development 

Bandetena Emile, 

Chef de 

Groupement, 

Pluto 

Traditional 

Leader, Pluto 

Traditional 

Leader, Pluto 

Bandetena Emile, 

Chef de 

Groupement, 

Pluto 

• Our children need a football ground 

on which they can play. 

This is valuable information and I would 

like to request that the Tshebe Tshebe 

community also hears it. You need to 

organise meetings with them. 

Positioning the comment boxes in the 

village will be a very good thing. 

Community members have a lot of 

comments and queries about the project 

and AGK. We will give Ron suggestions 

about where these boxes can be placed. 

Tshebe Tshebe and Mabilindey are 

communities that often interact with one 

another. 

I am worried because AGK is possibly the 

last mining company to operate in the 

region. I am saying that because our 

mineral resource is becoming depleted, 

and our communities will not benefit from 

the activities of the mine when the gold is 

gone. 

I wish to thank SRK for taking the time to 

come and share this information with us. 

We will reflect on what was said today 

and we look forward to the future. 

Ron Mininger (AGK) – Thank you for the comment. We have held 

some community meetings, and plan more over the next few days. These 

will be attended by the affected communities. Community leaders are are 

of course welcome to attend all of these meetings. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – SRK and its associated specialists are 

preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Consultation with 

stakeholders and especially the affected communities is an important part 

of the process. We hope to have five rounds of community consultations 

over the next year, to discuss our studies and to receive the comments 

and suggestions of the communities and their leaders. Comment boxes 

will be placed in the communities to enable people to contact us between 

consultations. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Thank you. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – It is important for communities to think 

about the future. It would be good for AGK and the communities to 

become partners, to identify benefits and to develop future plans together. 



Tim Hart thanked all present and closed the meeting 









P O Box 55291 


South Africa 



Tel: +27 (0) 11 441 1111 

Fax:+27 (0) 11 880 8086 



Location: Forum Venue, Mongbwalu 

Date: Tuesday 01 June 2010; 

Time: 14h00 

Minutes from the meeting with NGOs, CBOs, FBOs 



The stakeholder engagement team arrived at the meeting venue at the stipulated time. After a brief 

address by Ron Mininger from AGK aimed to explain the purpose of the meeting, attendees were 

requested to introduce themselves. SRK’s presentation followed soon after. 

1.2 Welcome 

Ron Mininger, Community and Development Manager, AGK welcomed all present. 


Ron Mininger introduced the members of the SRK consultation team, and invited meeting 

participants to introduce themselves (for a complete list of attendees, please refer to Appendix 1). 

He briefly outlined the context of the meeting, and handed over to the engagement facilitator, Tim 

Hart. 





themes. These themes are outlined in Section 2.2 below. French interpretation was provided by 

Vuyo Matshikiza of SRK.


2.2 Themes 




process; and 










2011; 













below: 


















constructed; 


2013; 















activity. 




























• Noise; 















categories: 




















Category Participant Comment /question Response 

EIS process Peter Mutor, 

Vodacom 

Engineer, 

Democratic 

Republic of 

Congo 

What tools will you use to conduct your 

study? Will you only hold meetings or will 

you use questionnaires as well? 

Lasheek You mentioned two kinds of studies: the 

feasibility study and the EIS. How and 

where does the community fit? 

Isidore Tamile, 

Secretary for 

Why is it necessary to have impact studies 

when impacts such as loss of land have 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – The EIS has public consultation and 

baseline assessment components. In the first case we will consult with 

various stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, and CBOs 

like yours. Currently, five rounds of consultation have been provided 

for. For the baseline assessment we have a team of specialists that will 

conduct their respective surveys. The members of the socio-economic 

team will make use of household questionnaires, key informant 

interviews and focus group discussions. This information will be used in 

the compilation of the compile the EIS. 


• The feasibility is a technical study done by technical and mining 

specialists. It determines whether the proposed project is viable or 

not. The Mongbwalu feasibility study is in progress. The EIS is 

being undertaken at the same time as the feasibility study, and its 

findings may influence aspects of the study. Communities and their 

representatives can interact with the EIS through the various 

consultations SRK will organise - five rounds in total. This round 

initiates the process. We will come back in August to discuss our 

scoping findings with you and will give you more detail about the 

project. Later, we will come back to discuss the impact assessment 

and to get community comment and inputs. A further round of 

consultation will address the mitigation and management measures, 

and we will communicate the government’s decision on the EIS 

when it is available. 

• We are also encouraging stakeholders to talk to us between 

consultation rounds. We have made sealed comment boxes available 

so that community members can easily forward written inputs. One 

such box is in the Mongbwalu Development Forum office, where this 

meeting is being held. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – The loss of land that has already taken 

place relates to exploration activities. The construction and operation of 




EIS process and 

feasibility study 

NGO 

A.O.D.E.R.P.I 

Peter Mutor, 

Vodacom 

Engineer, 

Democratic 

Republic of 

Congo 

Isidore Tamile, 

Secretary for 

NGO 

A.O.D.E.R.P.I 

already taken place? the mine will also have other impacts, possibly including more loss of 

land. We do not know in detail what these impacts are, or how extensive 

they will be. For this reason the impact studies will look at the future 

development of the mine, and will address a wide range of impacts 

(including for example impacts on water, health, and indigenous people). 

The list of impacts presented here is preliminary, based on available 

Why does the mine have to be an 

underground mine? Why not an opencast 

mine? 

Why do we need to have additional 

technical studies when we already have 

mining infrastructure on site? Surely you 

can reuse it? 

Electricity Jean-Gaston During the time OKIMO was still 

operating, the company used three 

hydroelectric stations. Solenyama 1 closed 

down. Solenyama 2 was used to produce 

electricity for Bunia and also for the head 

quarters in Beru. Currently, Solenyama 2 

is not working as it should because it only 

has one turbine. Are you going to repair 

Toxic chemicals Joseph 

Mwambole, 

Supervisor, 

ANAMAD 

these power stations? 

You mentioned the use of cyanide during 

your presentation. Will the EIS take into 

account that cyanide is a toxic substance 

for communities and the environment? 

Jean-Gaston I used to work for OKIMO and in 1975 

South African experts came to conduct a 

study in the region. According to the 

research, only 60% of the gold contained 

information and experience. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) - The relative advantages and 

disadvantages of both options are considered during feasibility. From an 

environmental and social point of view underground is probably 

preferable because it covers a smaller area and minimises impacts. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Additional technical work is required for 

several reasons. For example AGK must know how much gold there is, 

which is the purpose of the exploration phase. It must also understand in 

detail the costs involved in building and operating the mine. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – We cannot provide a detailed answer to 

the question. The feasibility study is looking into hydroelectric options, 

and based on this AGK may consider refurbishing some of these 

facilities. More details will be provided as they become available. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – A waste geochemistry specialist will 

look at this issue. This specialist will look at the ways in which AGK 

proposes to use, store and if possible neutralise toxic chemicals before 

they are released into the environment. SRK will recommend plans that 

will be put in place to protect the environment and the communities. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – We are aware that some gold is present 

in the old tailings. We also know that artisanal mining is a reality in the 

Mongbwalu area. The modern cyanidation process is likely to extract 

more gold than it used to. As mentioned before our waste geochemistry 




in the tailings was successfully extracted 

while 40% currently remains. This was 

one of the main contributing factors that 

caused artisanal mining to take place. The 

cyanide contained in the tailings seeped 

into the ground and contaminated the 

environment. How will you make sure that 

when using the cyanide and creating 

tailings the environment will be 

preserved? 

specialist study will look at cyanide and its management. 

Employment Giscaro- Asiki, There are currently people working for Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Employment will go through a series of 

opportunities Administrative AGK. What will happen to them when the cycles. AGK will probably look at options for alternative employment as 

Secretary, 

Chantier 

mine closes? 

part of its closure planning. 

SALAMA 

Ron Mininger (AGK) – The current employment is not long term. 

Often, once a specific job is done, the contract is terminated. It is a 

financial understanding between two parties whereby when a job is 

performed, the employee is paid. It is up to the employees to save as 

much as possible so that they will have something to fall back on. 

AGK will take the requirements of the Labour Code into account in the 

event that a worker becomes incapacitated. 

Joseph 

Although our communities have skills, Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – SRK does not determine AGK’s 

Mwambole, companies often use foreign labour to employment policies. It is AGK’s stated intention to use local skills 

Supervisor, work in Mongbwalu. This has always been whenever possible. It may be an idea to conduct a survey to identify the 

ANAMAD the case. Will AGK employ people locally local skills that are available. The mine should also give attention to 

or will foreign labour be used? 

appropriate training for the local labour that is employed. 

Dieudonne If labour is not sourced locally, will we be Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – AGK would want to avoid strikes as far 

Bahadi, 

allowed to protest or go strike? 

as possible. The company would rather have a constructive relationship 

Coordinator, 

with the local communities. As SRK we would also prefer and promote 

AJAS 

open channels of communication. 

Giscaro- Asiki, If I understand correctly, artisanals work Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – The artisanal miners work shallow 

Administrative on open cast mines. How is it possible that deposits. It is possible that some of AGK’s surface activities will these 

Secretary, they lose their jobs if AGK works activities at some locations. Our ongoing work should identify these 

Chantier 

SALAMA 

underground? 

locations in more detail. 




Roads Giscaro- Asiki, 

Administrative 

Secretary, 

Chantier 

SALAMA 

Dieudonne 

Bahadi, 

Coordinator, 

AJAS 

Giscaro- Asiki, 


Secretary, 

Chantier 

SALAMA 

What if AGK goes bankrupt and decides 

to leave, will they destroy the 

infrastructure they built just like Belgians 

did before they left? The Belgians did this 

to prevent our people from advancing. 

• Will roads be tarred or will you just 

fix the potholes? 

• Mining companies use large trucks. 

Will AGK’s trucks be willing to share 

the same roads with the public or will 

it build its own roads? It might be 

unsafe to allow large trucks to travel 

on the same roads as pedestrians. 

Will members of the public be allowed to 

use the Mongbwalu - Bunia road? Will 

AGK expand these roads to accommodate 

both their vehicles and people? 

Compensation Jean-Gaston While I was away in Kinshasa, AGK 

destroyed a portion of my land by digging 

a pit from which gravel was extracted to 

refurbish some of the roads in 

Mongbwalu. Currently, the pit is so large 

that it looks like a dam. After writing to 

AGK to report my grievance, the company 

sent a specialist to assess the damage on 

my propriety. The investigation found that 

compensation was of the order of US$ 

200,000.00. To this day, AGK refuses to 

pay. When it rains, water fills the pit and 

it becomes dangerous. I request AGK and 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – AGK is an international company and 

will not act in this way. 


• The upgrading of roads is being considered in the feasibility 

study. It is unlikely that the roads will be tarred. It is more likely 

that the roads will be maintained. 

• The mine will use some of the existing public roads, such as the 

road to Bunia, which will be upgraded and maintained. Special 

roads will be constructed on site for the movement of ore and 

other materials. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – The Mongbwalu – Bunia road is a public 

road. It is there for everyone to use. 

Ron Mining (AGK) – If we are to refurbish the road, it needs to be a 

partnership between government and AGK. Unlike copper production 

where mining companies need many trucks, gold production requires 

fewer trucks, so there should not be any traffic congestion. AGK will not 

impact or deny the public access to these roads. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – In the context of the ESHIA consultation 

process I am not in a position to offer a solution to the problem. This is 

an issue that needs to be resolved between you and AGK. As SRK, we 

would welcome dialogue between you and AGK so that the matter can be 

resolved. Please discuss this matter with Ron Mininger at the end of the 

meeting. 




local government to work together to find 

a solution to this problem. Who will take 

responsibility if someone drowns? And 

how are we going to resolve the 

Water Peter Mutor, 

Vodacom 

Engineer, 

Democratic 

Republic of 

Congo 

Indigenous Peoples Peter Mutor, 

Vodacom 

Engineer, 

Democratic 

Republic of 

Communication 

strategy 

Congo 

Libondo M.A, 

Pastor, 8 e CEPAC 

Dieudonne 

Bahadi, 

Coordinator, 

AJAS 

Joseph 

Mwambole, 

Supervisor, 

ANAMAD 

compensation issue? 

Mongbwalu has a water management 

issue. Artisanal miners pollute our waters 

with their activities. How will AGK 

manage the rift that might arise between 

itself and the artisanals as a result of the 

water scarcity? 

The indigenous people (pygmies) that live 

in some areas of Mongbwalu were the first 

inhabitants of this land. Has SRK 

attempted to understand their needs, issues 

and way of life? 

Thank you for the presentation. Could we 

have this information on hard copy? 

Not everyone has access to e-mail. I am 

not convinced that the comments in the 

comment boxes will reach SRK. Is it 

possible to send our comment directly to 

you? 

Can we use the internet in the forum to 

communicate with you? I am not 

comfortable with using comment boxes. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Various specialist studies are going to be 

undertaken as part of the EIS. One of them focuses specifically on water. 

In this context we will investigate water sources and the quality of 

underground and surface water in order to understand the current 

situation. The feasibility study is looking at possible water sources for the 

mine. One possibility is the construction of a fresh water dam for use by 

the mine. Based on the EIS and the feasibility study, a plan for the 

management of water will be developed. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) - It is essential that we understand and 

engage with the indigenous people. We have a specialist looking 

specifically at these issues. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Yes. At the end of this meeting we will 

distribute Background Information Documents (BIDs). 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – We have suggested several ways in 

which comments can be forwarded to us. These ways include the 

comment boxes and e-mail. We will ensure that material deposited in the 

boxes reaches us. Confidential comments can be placed in a sealed 

envelope with “confidential” on it. If you are still concerned that your 

comment will not reach us, perhaps you could keep a copy and give it to 

us directly next time we return to site. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – I think this can be arranged. We know 

that many people will not have access to the internet. That is why we 

provided the comment boxes in various locations. If this option fails, you 

can use the telephone numbers provided. Furthermore, SRK will be back 

here in August for more meetings. SRK is in Mongbwalu until Friday. 




You are welcome to deliver comments before we leave. 

Tax revenues Jean-Gaston • There are two types of taxes in the Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) 

DRC: Income tax which goes to • It is AGK’s responsibility to pay taxes as required by law in the 

national government, and various local DRC. But it is important for the company to be clear as to how it will 

taxes which are received by local 

government. Does AGK pay the local 

pay these taxes, in a process that is as transparent as possible. 

tax? 

• An important element of our work is to point out possible 

resettlement impacts, and to advise on minimising resettlement 

• What are AGK’s plans to minimise all where possible. This is a good example of how the feasibility study 

forms of resettlement? 

and the EIS can work together. 

Salaries Joseph 

People are happy when they have good Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – The EIS cannot determine the salaries 

Mwambole, salaries. Meagre wages cause unhappiness. paid by AGK. But SRK can look for opportunities for social 

Supervisor, Will AGK pay small wages to people? development. Social development can contribute to quality of life, and 

ANAMAD 

we will seek to advise on this. 

Social development Giscaro- Asiki, If we identify social development Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Social programmes are implemented by 

initiatives 

Administrative opportunities, do we have to wait for the the mine and not by SRK. If you have a suggestion, I urge you to let us 

Secretary, studies to finish before implementing know about it. The suggestions can be placed in the boxes provided 

Chantier them? 

around Mongbwalu. SRK will take these suggestions into consideration 

SALAMA 

when considering social development plans. 

EIS budget Giscaro- Asiki, How much is the EIS costing you? Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – There are various consultancies involved 


in the preparation of the EIS, and I do not have the budget to hand. If it is 

Secretary, 

Chantier 

SALAMA 

of interest, AGK might be willing to provide the figures. 

Resettlement Isidore Tamile, The potential impacts concern us. How Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – During the initial phase of the EIS, work 

Secretary for can you talk about economic development is undertaken to understand the current situation, including sources of 

NGO 

when resettlement and loss of artisanal livelihoods. Based on this impacts will be identified and proposed 

A.O.D.E.R.P.I mining opportunities are possible? mitigation measures developed. The study has just started, so we cannot 

Concessions were lost in the past. Will detail resettlement and other impacts, or describe the mitigation 

people lose their livelihoods again? Do measures. However, the EIS process and associated consultation lead to 

you have plans in place to mitigate these mitigation measures and appropriate management plans. These will be 

impacts? 

provided and discussed when they are available. 

Tim Hart thanked the participants and closed the meeting 









P O Box 55291 


South Africa 



Tel: +27 (0) 11 441 1111 

Fax:+27 (0) 11 880 8086 



Location: Nzebi church hall 

Date: Wednesday 02 June 2010 

Time: 11h00 

Minutes from the meeting with the Nzebi community 



On 2 nd June, the stakeholder engagement team travelled to Nzebi Village. Not many people were 

present when SRK arrived because there was some confusion over where and when the meeting was 

going to take place. Artisanal miners initially made up the majority of the people present and 

because they were pressed for time, the team needed to have a relatively short presentation outside 

the church hall. 

A more formal engagement meeting began at approximately 11h00 inside the meeting venue. The 

meeting was attended by a mixture of people including old people, young people, women, children 

artisanal miners and pygmies. Table 1 highlights the issues that were discussed at the meeting. 

1.2 Welcome 

Tim Hart, the Lead Stakeholder Engagement Consultant, welcomed all present. 








are outlined in Section 2.2 below. French and Swahili interpretation was provided by Ms Esperance 

Mamba, an English teacher based in Bunia. 



2.2 Themes 







EMPP processes; 

• Stakeholders have to be consulted during the EIS process. 




process; and 






















constructed; 





















this background he outlined potential impacts, noting that many of these are typical of mining 

operations: 








activity. 








• Noise; 













categories: 






















Category Participant Issue / comment Response 

Community 

relations 

Employment 

opportunities 

Artisanal miner The relationship between the mine and the 

surrounding communities is not good and 

this is primarily because AGK does not 

pay its employees well. 

Artisanal miner AGK does not seem to care about local 

communities because the company is 

responsible for various impacts. Many of 

them relate to health. What will AGK do 

to remediate this problem? 

Artisanal miner Instead of using local labour, we notice 

that AGK uses foreign labour. Why is 

that? 

Dieu-Donné 

Ondama, 

Artisanal Miner, 

Nzebi 

Even though AGK has been around for the 

past five years, the community is still 

jobless. Can AGK help? 

Transport Not recorded The distance some AGK workers have to 

walk is very long. At times workers walk 

for three hours. 

Ilambi Bdjoko, 

ANI-ANAMAD 

The gravel roads that AGK has 

constructed are losing their gravel creating 

mud. Can AGK put more gravel? 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – I cannot comment on the remuneration 

issue. However, through the EIS we hope to develop an understanding of 

issues important to the relationship between the mine and the 

communities that surround it. This relationship is necessary if the mine is 

to function smoothly, and we will propose ways to sustain it in our 

management plans. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – The development and operation of a mine 

will always cause impacts – positive and negative. Impacts are usually 

limited during the exploration phase, and more extensive during 

construction. It is SRK’s job to understand and record impacts (and 

benefits), to develop mitigation and enhancement measures and to present 

them to AGK. We will discuss the proposed measures in future 

community consultations. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – The project is still in its exploration 

phase. Contracts in this phase usually short term, and the overall 

workforce is relatively small. Once in construction and operation, there 

will be more opportunities for locals. Once the development of the mine 

is approved, the company will also apply more formal employment 

policies, including local recruitment. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – It is difficult to employ many people 

when you only exploring. Currently employees have short-term contracts. 

During construction, however, more people will be required. This number 

will decrease once operation starts. So job opportunities relating to the 

mine will depend on the phase. Not everyone will find a job at the mine 

but there may be opportunities for other jobs to be created. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – The exploration phase simply looks to 

see if the mine is feasible. Hence aspects of the work are short term and 

relatively informal. When the mine is a reality and jobs are more secure, 

the company might be in a position to look at transport for some of its 


staff. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Thank you for the information. We will 

bring you request to the attention of AGK.


Salaries Young man The salaries we receive from AGK are Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – SRK cannot comment on remuneration, 

very low. 

but we note your comment. 

Nutrition Not recorded AGK should provide food for its workers Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Your suggestion is noted. AGK will see 

the notes of this and other meetings. 

Arable land Artisanal miner Due to AGK’s activities, our land is being Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – We will be looking at resettlement and 

taken away. We do not believe that the compensation issues as part of our work. These matters must be managed 

compensation AGK will offer will be according to a negotiated plan, with a clear communication channel 

enough. 

between AGK and the communities. The compensation must be agreed, 

but sometimes it is better to replace land with land rather than 

compensating with money. The outcomes of the resettlement specialist 

study will be reported to AGK and discussed in future community 

consultations. 

Social 

Artisanal miner AGK should build a medical centre as 

infrastructure 

treatment for illnesses cannot be found 

close by. In addition to the medical center, 

schools are needed in the area 1 Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Your suggestions are noted, thank you. 

. 

Young man There are many children in this area 

without education. AGK should pay 

salaries to teachers so that kids can receive 

free education. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Suggestion noted, thank you. 

Assoga Banzala Could AGK build a hospital? Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Thank you for the suggestion. SRK 

Floribert, Locality 

cannot decide on behalf of AGK, but we will forward all proposals to the 

Chief, Nzebi 

company. 

Pension Old man I am an old man who used to work for Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – OKIMO and AGA are partners in AGK. 

Kilo-Moto. To this day, I still have not However, to SRK’s knowledge OKIMO’s previous liabilities remain with 

received my pension. What can AGK do OKIMO. Pension arrangements for future jobs will be matter between 

for people like me? 

AGK and its employees. Through our studies we should get a better 

understanding of these relationships. 

Soko Maskini, I used to work for OKIMO and then AGK. Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – SRK cannot speak on behalf of AGK. 

Paix et Justice, I have not received my pension from We suggest that you discuss this matter with AGK. 

Nzebi 

OKIMO. What does AGK think about 

this? 

Resettlement Miakila, Nzebi If the mine proceeds with the resettlement, Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – We understand your concern. Mining 

where will we go? I have a house and infrastructure requires land, and sometimes people are displaced as a 

1 This artisanal miner had worked for AGK for two years, reportedly as a prospector. 



Jean-Didier, 

Nzebi 

Bofaone Boley 

Topoke, Subconsultant, 

OKIMO 

SRK’s role Assoga Banzala 

Floribert, Locality 

Chief, Nzebi 

several children. result. The EIS will look in detail at possible displacement impacts, and 

will work with AGK to ensure that any resettlement is kept to a minimum. 

Where resettlement cannot be avoided, solutions will be negotiated and 

I am worried about resettlement and the 

impacts on livelihoods and houses. 

agreed with those affected. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – The mine is still being planned, so at 

present we are not sure where the infrastructure is going to be and who 

and what is going to be affected. As pointed out before, it is desirable to 

minimise resettlement, and to negotiate solutions where needed. The 

replacement of livelihoods is an important part of resettlement planning. 

I am also worried about resettlement. Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – If participants have specific concerns you 

are welcome to bring these to our notice. We suggest you use the 

comment boxes, or contact us using the details in the Background 

SRK is not affiliated to AGK. What is its 

role? 

Dust AGK’s activities have already produced 

dust which affects the health of people. 

Indigenous Peoples Badodo Leon, 

R.E.C.O 

The company needs to resolve this issue. 

The Pygmies rely heavily on the 

environment (fauna and flora) to survive. 

Mining activities will damage the 

environment they depend on. What will be 

done to help them? 

Assistance Ali, Nzebi OKIMO used to help people by offering 

services such as electricity, health and 

water. Will AGK do the same? 

Information Document. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – SRK’s role is to develop a clear 

understanding of existing conditions and to identify and describe the 

possible impacts of mining. Thereafter, another important part of our job 

is to develop mitigation and management plans for the impacts that may 

arise during the construction, operation and closure phases. These plans 

go to the government as part of our report, and to AGK. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – We will study the sources of dust as part 

of our baseline work. We note other sources of dust, for example the 

many motorcycles that use the local roads. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – This is a very important point. As part of 

our work a study of indigenous peoples and their livelihoods will be 

undertaken. We will seek to understand the impacts of mining on these 

communities, and ways to address them. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – It is important to differentiate between 

government owned and privately owned companies. As a government 

owned organisation, OKIMO previously undertook roles that are usually 

the responsibility of branches of government – for example the provision 

of social infrastructure. AGK is mostly privately owned and cannot 

replace government. It pays taxes which should help government to 

provide some of the services required. A partnership between 

government, AGK and communities may be the best way to address some 

of the service priorities. 



Water Kidja, Nzebi The quality of groundwater has been 

impacted by AGK’s activities. What can 

AGK do to solve this? 

Tim Hart thanked participants and closed the meeting 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – We will be conducting specialist studies 

looking at ground and surface water. Among other things, these studies 

will seek to understand where the communities find water, and any 

problems related to its quality. The EIS and management plans will also 

propose measures that will mitigate the potential impacts of AGA’s 

activities. If you are aware of specific problems should speak to AGK 

(Ron Mininger) about this. 









P O Box 55291 


South Africa 



Tel: +27 (0) 11 441 1111 

Fax:+27 (0) 11 880 8086 



Minutes from the meeting with the Mongbwalu community 

Location: Mongbwalu community hall 

Date: Thursday 03 June; 2010 

Time: 11h30 



The meeting was not well attended for various reasons. Firstly, it rained the morning of the meeting 

and so people were unable to arrive on time, and secondly, the meeting was organised at the last 

minute. However, this did not stop people from attending the session. Community members trickled 

into the meeting venue before, during and after the meeting. Background information documents 

were distributed to every attendee at the end of the meeting with the promise that they will be 

consulted in the near future. 

1.2 Welcome 

Tim Hart, Lead Stakeholder Engagement consultant welcomed all present. 








are outlined in Section 2.2 below. French and Swahili interpretation was provided by Ms Esperance 

Mamba, an English teacher based in Bunia. 

2.2 Themes 



MATV Mongbwalu Project: 414878 03 June 2010







• Stakeholders have to be consulted during the EIS process 




process; and 






















constructed; 

















MATV Mongbwalu Project:414878 03 June 2010





operations: 








activity. 








• Noise; 













categories: 





















Communication 

strategy 

SRK’s 

independence 

Elisabeth Love, 

Teacher, Civil 

Society 

Baelo Russel, 

Vice President, 

A.C.C.O/MOTO 

Kassamba 

Wanango, Retired 

Miner, Astramine 

EIS scope of work Lossa Guillaume, 

Butcher, 




Society 

Is it possible to combine French and 

Swahili in your presentation? If you use 

French for the more technical aspect of the 

project description, more people will 

understand. Can you restart the 

presentation? 

This is a very important meeting but 

people should have been alerted well in 

advance. 

You claim to be an independent 

organisation i.e. you are impartial and you 

are here to produce a report that will 

maintain this independence. What 

guarantee do we have that you will indeed 

maintain this independence? 

AGK has been here for the past for a long 

time. Since you will have specialists from 

different areas of speciality, why don’t 

you investigate the impacts the company 

has done by way of impacts? 

Will the feasibility study and the impact 

assessment relieve Mongbwalu from the 

social problems that are present in the 

communities – elements such as the lack 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Your comment is 

important because people need to understand the purpose 

of meeting as well as the work we are here to do. If there 

is a word you do not understand in Swahili, ask for the 

French version and we will try to find the right word. We 

will also give you a BID that explains the project in more 

detail. This is the first of many meetings. More 

information will be provided to you as time goes on. 

Ron Mininger (AGK) – We tried to. Apologies. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Good question. The 

reason why we do the work that we do is because we are 

independent. Governments would not accept our work if 

that was not the case. If we were to compromise this 

independence, we would not get any work. I hope you see 

how risky it is for us. 

For us to understand the environment the project is going 

to take place, we need to work closely with AGK. Some of 

the recommendations we will put forward may be things 

that AGK will not like. 

If you feel that the independence has been compromised, 

feel free to voice your opinion. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Today is the first time we 

meet. The EIS has several phases, the first of which being 

the scoping study. The scoping phase will help us decide 

what our specialists need to focus on. None of these 

specialists have started to work. The baseline assessment 

will take current conditions into account. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – I need to elaborate on the 

EIS process. The initial consultation will help us 

understand the problems that Mongbwalu communities 

face. Once this is understood, we ascertain what AGK 

MATV Mongbwalu Project: 414878 03 June 2010



of schools, hospitals, etc plans to do (mining process and design). Once all the 

pieces are put together, it will help us understand some of 

the problems e.g. people want jobs but do not possess the 

right skills. That is when we may recommend that AGK 

trains suitable candidates. 

Or if the quality of the water was to deteriorate as a result 

of the mine’s activities, we can ask AGK to fix the 

problem. We currently do not have the solution to the 

Resettlement Nabintu Leontine, 

Coordinator, 

ANAMAD 

Fumu Lingao, 


CEMAO 

Mathieu Okelo, 


CEMAO 

Job opportunities Logo Abara 

Emmanuel, Union 

Activist, ex- 

OKIMO 

employee 

If/when the mine comes, they will want us 

to leave. What will happen to those who 

work the land? Do you have management 

plans that will help identify alternatives? 

Where will AGK resettle the people that 

will have to move? 

Resettlement will be a major issue. While 

your people will live in sumptuous homes, 

the rest of us will be destitute. 

AGK did not employ those who used to 

work for KIMIN. They came here, bought 

the right to explore and fired KIMIN 

employees. Currently, many of those who 

were fired are poor. 

You need to know what AGK-KIMIN 

understanding is/was. 

problems but once we do, we will discuss these with you. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – The mine will, no doubt, 

have an impact on people and the environment. It is our 

job to understand the local dynamics, and tell the mine 

what they can and cannot do. We intend to minimise 

resettlement as much as possible. If people have to move 

or lose artisanal mining sites, this will be done in such a 

way that both parties are happy. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) - People will not be required 

to move in the near future because the feasibility study is 

incomplete. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – This is a very important 

issue. Just to clarify: the mine is still being planned; hence, 

we currently do not know whether people will have to 

more. Our intention is to minimise resettlement as much as 

possible. Never will people be forced to move. It will 

always be an agreement reached between the two parties. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – We are currently unaware 

of the type of contract(s) between KIMIN and its former 

employees. It is important for us to understand the 

relationship between KIMIN and its employees and AGK 

contracts. 

The purpose of this meeting is for you to inform us of all 

of these issues. These issues are recorded. I cannot give 

you a solution now. 




Kassamba 

Wanango, Retired 

Miner, Astramine 

Giscard Assik, 


Secretary, 

SALAMA 

AGK is responsible for the unemployment 

level because they have been taking our 

land for their prospection activities. 

People’s crops have been affected by these 

activities. 

We will be unhappy if locals are not 

employed. 

It is unlikely that artisanal miners will be 

affected. I would like to let the forum 

know that I was with Guy-Robert and 

Alain (Ron’s deputy) in a meeting in 

Kinshasa. We had a discussion on 

artisanal mining in Concession 40. The 

company has located specific sites where 

artisanals can work without the fear of 

being interrupted. I would like to let 

people reassure people. 

The reason why Mongbwalu is relatively 

stable politically and socially today is 

because of opportunities in artisanal 

mining and moto-taxi. The arrival of AGK 

in area might disturb this balance. Is the 

company aware of this? Will it look to 

fulfill its own interests? 

In the DRC we usually pay attendees. Will 

This is the purpose of our study. If there is a problem with 

the water, our water specialist will look at it. If there is a 

problem with the air quality, our air specialist will look at 

it. 

A mine typically goes through various phase construction, 

operation and closure. These phases require various 

amounts of labour. AGK will employ locally as far as 

possible. This will be part of our recommendations. 

Ron Mininger (AGK) – Not a long time ago, we posted 

ads in various locations if Mongbwalu, advertising jobs for 

drivers. Having said that, we cannot discriminate on the 

basis of his/her tribe or where he/she comes from. 

Besides, it is easier for us to hire locally. There are as 

many as 100 people working for AGK we hired as drivers. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Thank you. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting)- AGK is a private company. 

So yes, its own interests come first. However, the presence 

of a viable and profitable business can help with things 

such as capacity building, employment and economic 

development. These two aspects work hand in hand. 

When we work with people (all over Africa), the intention 

is to discuss things. We do not think it is appropriate to 

pay people for these discussions 



Category Participant Comment/question 

you pay us for attending this meeting? 

Response 

Gats’ Ngadjole, White people have never been interested Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – I hear your point and take 

Artisanal Miners, in developing this region. For instance, it to heart. Hopefully when the mine reaches the next 

Mongbwalu they brought labour from elsewhere in the 

country. They have always had the final 

say on behalf of others. AGK do not 

employ locally. 

phase, the same mistake will not be repeated. 



Society 

Katho Lobho, 

Sports and 

Leisure, 


Mongbwalu looks like a village because 

its workforce did not earn the same 

salaries as those coming from, say, 

Kinshasa. Foreign labour took their money 

back and left. AGK needs to rectify this. 

Take young people into consideration 

when employing. Although AGK has done 

many positive things, we are still not. The 

hiring process is difficult i.e. driving tests , 

etc. 

Floribert When AGK starts, its guidelines relating 

to salaries will need to be clear. 

Mining contract Giscard Assik, What kind of contract did AGK sign with 


Secretary, 

SALAMA 

the government? Show us. 

Fumu Lingao, 


CEMAO 

Lokudu Awu M., 

Professor, KaKwa 

The manner in which AGK entered the 

DRC was fraudulent because they did not 

discuss this with people. People have been 

unhappy since the arrival of AGK. Many 

do not have pensions and are currently 

poor. 

Is it true that AGK has provided you with 

some safety? Who from? From us? 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Thanks for this comment 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Thanks for this comment 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Thanks. Worthwhile 

suggestion. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting)- I do not have the contract 

with me. You could request that from AGK. 

Attendee – ask our government for it. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) - Thanks for the first 

comment. We hope that these issues will be investigated 

further. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – we do not want to make 

any enemies. We want to be as open as possible. So far, 

people have welcomed us and we are grateful for it 




Project description Fumu Lingao, 


CEMAO 

Capacity building Gats’ Ngadjole, 

Artisanal Miners, 



development 

Jean-Paul 

Kodhidano, 

President, 

A.C.C.O/MOTO 

Nabintu Leontine, 

Coordinator, 

ANAMAD 

Water Elisabeth Love, 


Society 

I would rather have an underground mine 

than an open cast mine. 

Is it not possible to train some specialists 

locally? 

People here have not gained anything 

since AGK’s arrival in the area. Can the 

company help with schools? KIMIN used 

to do so. 

Please refurbish the hall we are in. That 

way, people will be able to come here 

more often. 


One of the most prominent issues here is 

that water quality. We currently do not 

have a good source of potable water. Can 

AGK help us get the water that comes 

from the hills? 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) - At the moment, the mine 

is envisaging having an underground mine. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) - when we do our social 

studies for instant, we use and train local people to assist 

in the project. Those who want to go further with these 

skills can do so. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – AGK is still in the 

exploration phase. Once profits are made and the mine is 

operational, it might be in a position to help. 

Ron Mininger (AGK) - There are as many as 100 people 

working for AGK. We hired drivers and cars. We built a 

school, we have paid some teaches, we refurbished some 

roads. SRK should not be seen as a referee. The company 

is here to conduct a study 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Thanks. Worthwhile 

suggestion. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – There is a close 

relationship between water and health. We currently have 

a water specialist who is looking into water issues. When 

we go back to South Africa, water samples will be 

analysed and we will be in a position to know what the 

problems are. 









Associate 

Partners 





P O Box 55291 


South Africa 



Tel: +27 (0) 11 441 1111 

Fax:+27 (0) 11 880 8086 



Location: Lapa, AGK offices, Mongbwalu 

Date: Thursday 03 June 2010 

Time: 14h50 


Minutes from the meeting with AGK employees 


The meeting started late because the previous public meeting ended later than expected. The meeting 

was very well attended. Table 1 below highlights the issues that were discussed. Background 

Information Documents (BID, in French) were distributed to all attendees at the end of the meeting. 

1.2 Welcome 

Pippa Jeffcock, the Mongbwalu General Manager, welcomed all present. 







social impact assessment process, using posters in French to illustrate relevant themes. These 

themes are outlined in Section 2.2 below. French and Swahili interpretation was provided by Ms 

Esperance Mamba, an English teacher based in Bunia. 


MD Wanless 


GA Jones, PrEng, PhD; TR Stacey, PrEng, DSc; OKH Steffen, PrEng, PhD; PJ Terbrugge, PrSci Nat, MSc; DW Warwick, PrSci 

Nat, BSc (Hons) 

Cape Town +27 (0) 21 659 3060 

Durban +27 (0) 31 279 1200 

East London +27 (0) 43 748 6292 

Johannesburg +27 (0) 11 441 1111 

Kimberley +27 (0) 53 861 5798 



Pretoria +27 (0) 12 361 9821 

Rustenburg +27 (0) 14 594 1280 

Dar-es-Salaam +25 (5) 22 260 1881


2.2 Themes 








• Stakeholders have to be consulted during the EIS process 




process; and 






















constructed; 


2013; 





















operations: 








activity. 








• Noise; 













categories: 






















Category Participant Issue / Comment Response 

Water Eloi Lebisabo, 

Medical 

Assistant, AGK 

Clarification on 

who the project 

proponent is 

Jacques Zukpa, 

Construction, 

AGK 

EIS process Baraka, 

Construction, 

AGK 

• Mongbwalu’s water is of bad quality. 

People continuously get sick because 

of it. Can this issue be included in the 

study? 

• Is it not possible to use the water that 

comes from the mountain? It seems to 

be of a better quality. 

Is the company that wants to conduct the 

EIS different from AGK? Are you 

undertaking the EIS because you want 

take over the concession? 

What will happen if the government 

revokes your findings? 


• We aware that water quality is important to communities. A water 

specialist is taking samples in the area. The water will be sent for analysis 

in South Africa, and the specialist will return to do further work. When we 

have the results, we will be in a position to tell you if there is anything 

wrong with the water. 

• The feasibility study is looking at water sources, and we are not yet at a 

point where we can make recommendations. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – There is a difference between AGK and SRK. 

SRK is an independent company that is here to conduct the EIS. Its job is to 

understand the impacts the mine might have on the environment and on people, 

to present those impacts to AGK and the government, and to come up with 

mitigation measures that AGK will need to implement. 

AGK remains the project proponent. It is responsible for conducting the 

feasibility study and will be mining the minerals in Mongbwalu. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – According to the Code Minier, a project such 

as this one requires an impact assessment and management plans. If our work 

is done independently and expertly, it is unlikely that the government will 

revoke our findings. It may however ask us to provide more information, or 

propose conditions. If this happens, further work on the ESHIA may be 

required. 

Pippa Jeffcock (AGK) – It is unlikely that the government will stop the 

project because among other things it will earn money through the tax revenue 

AGK will pay. 



Employment 

opportunities 

Ndjabu, 

Construction, 

AGK 

Muduani, 

Construction, 

AGK 

Mapendo, Cook, 

AGK 

Accommodation Ngabu Mateso, 

Technician, AGK 

If the government allows the project to go 

ahead, will AGK employ everyone or will 

it create alternative opportunities for those 

without work? 

Many of us came to find work, and told 

our friends they would get jobs. 

Unfortunately, many of them have not 

been employed. We keep on telling them 

that the company will employ them in the 

future. This is causing serious conflicts 

between us and them. What are we 

supposed to do/tell them? 

If people study now, will the company 

employ them? 

OKIMO used to provide accommodation 

for its workers. Can AGK do the same? 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – The mine will not be able to offer jobs to 

everyone because the project is relatively small, and some aspects of the 

mining activity will be mechanised. However, there are many other options to 

be considered. Among these is AGK’s intention to co-exist with artisanal 

mining as far as possible, hence not cutting off this source of income. 

Pippa Jeffcock (AGK) – There will not be enough jobs on the mine to 

accommodate everyone. This is a small operation. Having the mine here will 

provide opportunities for secondary economic spinoffs (for example food 

procurement and other services). Standards of living should improve because 

of the mine. AGK may also expand later and build two or three more mines the 


area. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – The reality is that there will be limited direct 

job opportunities at the mine. Perhaps you should not have told them that they 

would be employed. However those that were not employed may benefit from 

other economic activities stimulated by the mine, or by the general economic 

improvement of the area. 

Ron Mininger (AGK) – Working for AGK is not a right. You must deserve it. 

We have obligations to fulfil as employees. When people speculate about the 

company we must respond accordingly. Just as I do not promise jobs to people, 

you should also not promise to your friends. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – This is a difficult question to answer in 

advance because the company will look for skills appropriate to certain tasks. 

If a person has the right skills, then he/she will stand a good chance to be 

employed. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) - Many people have asked this question. There 

was a time when nationalised mining companies also did the work of the 

government and provided water, electricity, schooling, etc. In this new 

environment, mining companies do not fulfil government’s duties. However, 

they pay taxes, some of which should trickle down to communities such as 

Mongbwalu. In addition, there is an opportunity for government, communities, 

mining companies and civil society to work together in order to solve these 

issues, in some cases with assistance through the mine’s development 

programmes


Roitelet Nsimba, 

Mechanic, AGK 

Resettlement Jean-Claude 

Ndaka, AGK 

Equality in the 

workplace 


development 

Adzuba, 

Technician, AGK 

Will AGK give the development money 

you spoke about to people so that they can 

build their own homes? 

If the mine builds on people’s crops and 

houses, what will happen to the people? 

What happens if people refuse to move? 

AGK currently has two categories of 

employees, a legacy from Kimin. AGK 

pays school fees for some employees, but 

some do not have this benefit. If this is 

the case now, where will you find the 

money to pay for the scholarships you 

spoke about? 

Mussoudi, AGK Since you spoke about the radio station, 

can you also assist with TV receptors? 

Jacques 

The information you gave us today is of 

Lekadjanu, paramount importance. Could you help us 

Manager, AGK install a radio station through which this 

information can be shared? 


Pippa Jeffcock (AGK) – If this operation is successful, there might be other 

mines in Ituri. Together, they may well create new development opportunities 

for your children and their children. For example AGK built a new school – so 

that your children can benefit from it. AGK also intends to offer scholarships 

to the brightest children. Development must look to the future as well. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) - We are currently unable to say who will be 

affected because the feasibility study is not completed. However, you can be 

certain that the mine will avoid resettlement as much as possible. Where 

displacement of houses and fields is required, a negotiated and agreed solution 

will be found, as required by international good practice. 

The negotiation process should avoid this situation. The process will be such 

that the person affected will be no worse off as a result of moving, and may be 

better off in many situations. 

Pippa Jeffcock (AGK) – AGK is working on changing the terms of 

employment for all employees, to rectify this inequality. We are working on it 

and apologise for the delay. Human Resources will set up meetings for all 

employees. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – The questions raised are all important, but 

some are best discussed outside of this forum. If you have any question 

regarding the EIS or suggestions and comments about the project please ask 

them now. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Your suggestion has been noted. 

Pippa Jeffcock (AGK) - We currently have all the material necessary to set up 

the radio station. We even have the building from which the station can 

broadcast. As soon as the government gives us a licence, we will establish the 

station. With this in place, it will be possible for employees to broadcast 

whatever they want, and for AGK to keep employees you informed about 

developments regarding the mine. 









P O Box 55291 


South Africa 



Tel: +27 (0) 11 441 1111 

Fax:+27 (0) 11 880 8086 


Statement 

Minutes from the meeting with Le Cadre de Concertation (CdC) 

Location: Cosmos Hotel, Bunia; 

Date: Friday 4 June 2010 

Time: 17h30 



The meeting was held in the conference room at the Cosmos Hotel. Participants were members of 

Le Cadre de Concertation (CdC), an umbrella body for Non Government Organisations, based in 

Bunia. Background Information Documents (BID, in French) were distributed to all meeting 

attendees. 

1.2 Welcome 

Tim Hart of SRK Consulting welcomed all present, and thanked members of CdC for taking the time 

to attend the meeting. Mr Alphred Buju of CdC thanked SRK, AGK and Synergy Global Consulting 

for organizing the meeting. He commented that the exploration phase for the Mongbwalu Project had 

taken a while to get going, and added that people had begun wondering when the next phase would 

start. He noted that CdC, Benchmarks and Catholic Agency For Overseas Development (CAFOD) 

had been eager to start the environmental and social assessment process so they had undertaken a 

mini ESIA. He handed copies of the report to Synergy and SRK. Mr Buju explained that CdC, 

Benchmarks and CAFOD had listed recommendations in the report for AGK to take into account in 

its environmental and social assessment work. One recommendation is that AGK proceeds timeously 

with the full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment. 


The SRK and Synergy teams introduced themselves, as did the CdC participants. For a complete list 

of attendees, please refer to Appendix 1. 



Tim Hart outlined the proposed project and the environmental and social impact assessment process, 

referring to the Background Information Document (BID). He addressed several themes, outlined in 

Section 2.2 below. French interpretation was provided by Vuyo Matshikiza, of SRK Consulting. 



2.2 Themes 


Tim Hart indicated that Ashanti Goldfields Kilo (AGK) is undertaking a feasibility study for the 

Mongbwalu Project, for which an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and an Environmental 

Management Plan for the Project (EMPP) must be prepared. SRK Consulting has been appointed as 

an independent service provider to lead the EIS and EMPP processes, with a team from Synergy 

Global Consulting undertaking a series of important specialist studies. 


The purpose of the meeting was to inform CdC and its members about the proposed Project, the EIS 

and the stakeholder engagement process, and to solicit comments, concerns, views and issues. 


Tim Hart described key elements of the proposed project, noting that the Project description is 

preliminary in nature. The elements are summarised below: 
















Tim Hart outlined the four phases of the EIS process: Scoping (June to August 2010), Impact 

Assessment (July 2010 to January 2011), development of Management Plans (January 2011 to 

March 2011), and submission of the draft EIS to the regulatory bodies of the DRC government 

(March 2011) followed by finalisation of the reports. 

Mr Hart noted that five rounds of consultation with community and other stakeholders would 

accompany the EIS: two rounds at the beginning and end of Scoping respectively (June 2010 and 


reference): a third round after the Impact Assessment phase (February 2011 – to share and discuss 

impact findings); a fourth round at the end of the Management Planning phase (April 2011 – to share 


EIS submitted to government); and a fifth round to discuss the views of the government on the EIS, 



Tim Hart outlined potential impacts of the proposed project: 








activity. 










• Noise; 













categories: 






meetings. He requested ongoing commentary and feedback from CdC and its members. 

. 





EIS process Jean Paul Lonema 

Coordinator, 

CDJP/CdC 

Jacquie Dzijis 

Malosi, 

Coordinator, 

CdC/FOMI 

I am aware that the study is still in its 

initial phase but will it be followed up by a 

detailed impact assessment? 

Please provide more details on the steps 

involved in the management plans because 

I have two concerns: 

• How do you intend to manage 

expectations regarding resettlement? 

• What do you mean by indirectly 

impacted areas? 


Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – We are in the initial phase of a detailed 

study. The phases will be those accepted internationally: scoping; 

baseline and impact assessment; management planning. The baseline 

work will be done at different spatial scales, essentially looking at directly 

and indirectly affected areas. The management planning will flow from 

the baseline studies and impact assessments. The draft Environmental 

Impact Statement will be submitted to the authorities in March 2011 and 

will also be circulated among stakeholders for comment. The phased 

process described is in accordance with the Code Minier. Paul Kapelus 

will describe the kind of work the Synergy team will do. 

Paul Kapelus (Synergy Consulting) – In order to fully understand the 

baseline we will be looking into the directly affected areas around 

Mongbwalu, and also indirectly affected areas in the wider Ituri District 

and Concession 40. We will do research in a number of towns. Bunia will 

be included in this research. 


• Expectations and fears regarding resettlement do exist, and many 

were raised during community meetings in and around Mongbwalu. 

Our work, in collaboration with the feasibility team, will try to 

minimise the impacts of resettlement. One of the specialists involved 

in the EIS will look specifically at resettlement issues, and at ways to 

plan and negotiate fair outcomes. 

• The mitigation and management plans will not only look at 

resettlement. These will cover social, health and environmental 

matters. They will address clear areas of work, for example 

community health and safety, resettlement and compensation, the 

management of biophysical impacts and so on. 

Paul Kapelus (Synergy Consulting) 

• There are many people, with different interests living in the area. 

They include artisanal miners, farmers, traders, motorbike taxi 

operators and many others. All of these are likely to be affected in 

some way. It is thus important through our research to determine how



people live and sustain their livelihoods, how they use the land, who 

the community leaders are, and how decisions are made. 

• To achieve this understanding we must study areas close to the 

proposed mine and in a wider area. For example people in our public 

consultation meetings and interviews indicated that some goods come 

from areas 350 km or more away. We spoke to a truck driver who 

delivers his goods on a weekly basis and he explained how the mine 

might affect him. 

• We also know that the area has been in conflict, and because of it, 

people’s lives have changed. We must understand these changes. We 

met with a women’s group and were told about the difficulties women 

and children have to endure. 

• We are trying to learn as much as possible and use this information to 

inform the research we will do, and the impacts we will identify. If 

AGK was to operate in Mongbwalu, the conditions and impacts 

would be different than if it was operating in Entebbe. We will rely 

Transparency Alphred Buju, 

Coordinator, 

CDJP/CdC 

We are glad to see that some of the 

recommendations made in our report are 

finally being implemented. We 

understand that the EIS is being 

undertaken is because of the requirements 

of the Mining Code and against the 

background of the re-negotiation of the 

mining contract between OKIMO, the 

government and AGK. We are concerned 

about the confidential nature of the 

contact, and do not think the true nature of 

the contract or the EIS will be made 

public. How can you guarantee that this 

process will be as transparent as possible? 


on informants like yourselves to help us to understand this context. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Disclosure is a very important part of the 

process we will follow. So we will share information and consult at 

various stages of the EIS programme. We also need to make the 

information presented at various times understandable to stakeholders. 

The draft EIS report will be made available to stakeholders such as 

government, civil society and communities in order to give them the 

opportunity to comment and to make input to report. The EIS process 

must be open and transparent, with no confidentiality requirement. 

Paul Kapelus (Synergy Consulting) – If we do not accurately disclose 

our findings, our reputation will seriously be damaged. We have 

committed to a process of consultation and openness and that is what we 

stand for. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – We would appreciate your assistance in 

improving the process where necessary, for example advising on how we 

consult, who we talk to and which channels of communication we use. 

Paul Kapelus (Synergy Consulting) – If stakeholders feel that things are



being hidden from them, then they must let us know. 

Jacquie Dzijis Are you certain that the study will be Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – SRK has been hired because it is 

Malosi, 

conducted in a way that will to ensure that independent. We are a South African company, but we have worked in 

Coordinator, the results are not influenced by anyone? the DRC. We have no interest in the Mongbwalu Project. It is, however, 

CdC/FOMI 

necessary for us to interact with AGK because we require certain 

information to do our work. For instance, SRK needs mine plans to do the 

impact assessment. It is our job to secure the material we need, but to 

maintain our independence. We will consult with stakeholders and 

disclose information, so they can question the independence if they feel 

the need to do so. 

Capacity building Jacquie Dzijis This kind of work requires very profound Donald Gibson (SRK Consulting) 

Malosi, 

knowledge and experience. I assume that • We have involved local specialists directly and have encouraged 

Coordinator, SRK and Synergy have been hired because outside specialist to use local people as far as possible. For instance, 

CdC/FOMI they have that technical knowledge. To we chose to use Prof. Muya from the University of Lubumbashi to do 

what extent will local specialists be 

the archaeological study. Our biodiversity specialist will also work 

consulted? 

with people having appropriate local knowledge for his discipline. 

• SRK has an office in Lubumbashi. This office is managed and run by 

Congolese mining engineers. Through our office and our work in the 

DRC we think that skills will be transferred. 

Sustainable 

development 

Alphred Buju, 

Coordinator, 

CDJP/CdC 

Gender issues Jacquie Dzijis 

Malosi, 

Coordinator, 

CdC/FOMI 

Vulnerable people Alphred Buju, 

Coordinator, 

CDJP/CdC 

Overview Francois Bura, 

Researcher, 

CDJP/CdC 

The contract that was signed between 

AGK and OKIMO needs to take the 

wellbeing of communities into account. 

We want to see community development 

projects take place here. 

With regard to local participation in the 

project, will women play an important 

part? Will you consider hiring them? 

Vulnerable people need to be included in 

the analysis. These include physically 

handicapped and old people. 

What are your initial impressions of the 

local people? 


Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Social development is an integral part of 

the management plans to be developed. It does not make sense to address 

the management of negative impacts and not look into the possible 

positive benefits. The Code Minier requires that a social development 

plan is developed and presented, and we intend to address this 

requirement. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – The two specialists heading the social 

baseline research are women. They will require local fieldworkers and 

interpreters, and I am sure that they will want the involvement of women. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – It is especially important to consider 

vulnerable people. The study will seek to address all people who are 

vulnerable or marginalized in one way or another. 


• While in Mongbwalu, we met with the Mayor, the Mongbwalu 

Development Forum, local NGOs, traditional leaders, artisanal miners



and community members. Although these meetings were well 

attended, we hope to reach more people as the process proceeds. 

• Overall, local people want to be kept informed about the future 

development of the mine. 

• A particular concern is the possibility of displacement, both 

physically and economically. 

• Many people also commented on limited and aging social 

infrastructure, highlighting water supply, schools and healthcare 

facilities. 

• Overall, women seem to be keen to participate in the consultations. A 

EIS scope of work Emile Ndele, 

Coordinator, RHA 

Jean Paul Lonema, 

Coordinator, 

CDJP/CdC 

The study should not be confined to 

Mongbwalu but must also incorporate 

Mongbwalu’s surrounding areas. The 

artisanal concessions for instance are not 

only located in the town but all over 

Concession s 38, 39 and 40. 

Will you include the other concessions in 

your study? 

Mongbwalu is a post-conflict area. Your 

consultancies need to take this into 

account when undertaking the study. 

Can SRK apply some pressure on AGK to 

ensure that the impact assessment is 


lot of the comments we received came from them. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Different components of the study look at 

different areas. For example, the air quality study will focus on the 

directly impacted area where mining activities will take place. But we 

also need to understand aspects of the regional economy (including 

artisanal mining) so here the study will be wider. The artisanal mining 

study will look at the mining footprint, but we also need to understand the 

broader context of artisanal mining. This will be mostly in Concession 

40, but may look at aspects of the industry beyond the concession. Of 

course we need keep focus. If we go too broad, we run the risk of getting 

information that is too general to be useful. 

Paul Kapelus (Synergy Consulting) – Our main focus is on Mongbwalu 

but we will also broaden our research to the whole of Concession 40. We 

will mainly consult documents to understand the broader context. 

Joseph Njuma (Synergy) –A good example of how a part of study will 

focus on the broader context has to do with the movement of gold. The 

gold that leaves Mongbwalu finds itself in Bunia and elsewhere. So we 

need to study all the routes. 


• When preparing for the study, the study team made sure that the 

issues that are relevant to the environment in eastern Democratic 

Republic of Congo are included in the assessment. These include 

artisanal mining, human right and indigenous people. The 

management plans we produce will go to government as per the



adequately applied? 

requirements of the Code Minier. In submitting the plans to 

government, AGK commits to the undertakings listed in them. 

Jean Paul Lonema, 

Coordinator, 

CDJP/CdC 

Alphred Buju, 

Coordinator, 

CDJP/CdC 

Alphred Buju , 

Coordinator, 

CDJP/CdC 

Even though the project is AGK’s 

responsibility, there are issues for which 

they refuse to take responsibility. For 

instance, they call artisanal miners illegal; 

they do not provide good schools and 

other social infrastructure to communities; 

and some ex-KIMIN employees have not 

received their pensions. Will the EIS and 

through it AGK consider these 

responsibilities? Will the management 

plans identify the people who will take 

responsibility for them? 

Confusion exists regarding who owns 

Concessions 39 and 40. OKIMO has other 

agreements that are similar to that between 

itself and AGA. We have heard that AGA 

is one of the main shareholders on 

Concession 39, and in other concessions. 

Will this study extend to these areas as 

well? 

Will you collaborate with the teams that 

might do the environmental and social 

work in Concessions 38 and 39? 



• An effective way to ensure that the plans are respected is to make 

them public, as we will do. In this way stakeholders can understand 

the content of the plans, and monitor AGK’s adherence to them. In 

essence, members of the public can become watchdogs. This is 

perhaps one of the most import roles civil society can play. 

• In addition, AGA and AGK would want to ensure that their 

reputations are preserved. Failure to do so may jeopardise the EIS 

process and the project as well. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – The management plans stemming from 

the EIS will address the impacts of the planned mine. We will identify 

and detail measures to solve the mine-related environmental and social 

problems and to enhance the potential benefits. The management plans 

will identify the sections of AGK that will be responsible for 

implementation. As noted before, AGK will submit the plans to 

government, and we will disclose them publically. In this way AGK is 

committed to management plans produced. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – The present study will not cover the other 

areas. Our mandate is to do our focused work around Mongbwalu, and 

broader contextual work in Concession 40. 

Joseph Njuma (Synergy Consulting) – If AGA is a shareholder in the 

other concessions, each concession will need its own study. 

Paul Kapelus (Synergy Consulting) – This will depend on the timing of 

the other studies. If we were to collaborate, we would need as much 

information about activities in the other concessions as possible.



Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – As other concessions are developed, it 

will be necessary for environmental and social impact assessments to 

EIS process Jimmy Munguriek, 

Permanent 

Secretary, CdC 

Resettlement Francois Bura, 

Researcher, 

CDJP/CDC 

Acknowledgement 

of the 

commencement of 

the study 

Alphred Buju, 

Coordinator, 

CDJP/CDC 

Who is financing your work? AGK or 

yourselves? 

• The DRC is experiencing many sociopolitical 

changes. With the growth in 

mining, it is probable that Mongbwalu 

will become a city. Will it develop 

like other mining cities? 

• It is important to note that up to now 

the local population has not been 

informed about the company’s plans. 

• As mining proceeds, parts of the local 

towns might become an open cast 

mine. If this happens, attention needs 

to be paid to resettlement. 

• We are very happy with the initial 

contact your respective companies 

decided to establish with stakeholders. 

We are pleased that the dialogue 

seems to be free and open as per 

international guidelines. We truly 

hope that it will not be the last. 

• In my view, this is the first time that 

such willingness to communicate has 

been shown. In the past, it was not a 

requirement for a detailed EIS to be 

done. The fact that the study is now 


consider potential cumulative impacts. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) - AGK is paying for the work we are doing. 

The project proponent is responsible for financing the environmental and 

social assessment. This is the practice worldwide, and recognized in the 

standards and safeguards of organizations such as the International 

Finance Corporation and the World Bank. 

Joseph Njuma (Synergy Consulting) – The Code Minier requires that 

the EIS be sponsored by the project proponent (AGK). This does and will 

not compromise the integrity of the study. 


• If formal mining activity grows and is sustained in the areas around 

Mongbwalu, the town might well grow and develop. Development 

must be planned however, and this will require the cooperation of 

companies, government and communities. 

• We plan several rounds of consultation, so information on the 

proposed development will be much more readily available in future. 

• Open cast is not planned at present. If it were to happen there might 

well be resettlement impacts. These would have to be fully 

understood, and mitigation would have to be negotiated. 


• I would like to thank this group for its open and frank participation, 

and I am encouraged by the interaction we have had so far. I have no 

doubt that this will optimise the effectiveness of the EIS. I hope the 

EIS and its associated consultation process will set an example for the 

area. 

• The Background Information Document provides further information 

on the issues we have discussed and on the process ahead. The BIDs 

also provide our contact details. We encourage members of the CdC 

to contact us if there is something to discuss, especially between 

scheduled meetings.



being undertaken independently and 

that you seek communication with us 

is good. 

• Our major challenge is how we, as 

civil society, talk on behalf of our 

communities. 

• Many matters require more detailed 

attention. Civil society as an interested 

party will keep an eye on the process 

and it will collaborate with 

government to ensure that the results 

reflect the issues that affect our 

communities. 

Tim Hart thanked participants, and with Mr Buju closed the meeting 









P O Box 55291 


South Africa 



Tel: +27 (0) 11 441 1111 

Fax:+27 (0) 11 880 8086 



Location: Pères Blancs 

Date: Monday 07 June 2010 

Time: 11h10 

Minutes from the open meeting with stakeholders in Bunia 



The stakeholder engagement team arrived at the meeting venue at the stipulated time. The meeting 

had to start later than anticipated however because the District Commissioner was unable to attend 

and so he had to find a proxy. The proceedings began soon after, Christophe Evilago, the District 

Commissioner’s representative arrived. 

At around 11h10, the Master of ceremony welcomed the attendees. He requested that the national 

anthem be sang and thanked SRK and AGK for organising the workshop. He commented on how 

important the meeting was for the people of Mongbwalu, Bunia and other areas. 

1.2 Welcome 

The Master of ceremony, from the District Commissioner’s office welcomed all present. 








themes. These themes are outlined in Section 2.2 below. French and Swahili interpretation was 

provided by Ms Esperance Mamba, an English teacher based in Bunia. 



2.2 Themes 




process; and 










2011; 













below: 


















constructed; 
















activity. 




























• Noise; 















categories: 




















Category Participant Comment/ question Response 

Resettlement Kungito, 

Territorial 

Administrator for 

Djugu 


development 

In the BID there is talk of resettlement. 

District Councillors must get involved 

from the start. They will need to conduct a 

study that establishes an inventory of 

people’s assets. If this inventory is not 

done, the resettlement will be highly 

unpopular. We wish to avoid what 

happened in Kasai, where graves were dug 

up without appropriate consultation by the 

company wanting to exploit the minerals 

Jacques Risostan You need to be clear about the 

resettlement process. People need to know 

exactly what is going to happen to them. 

Are you going to build new homes for 

them? 

Mathieu 

Komanda, 

Protection 

Services, Groupe 

EQUITAS 

Mathieu 

Komanda, 

Protection 

Services, Groupe 

EQUITAS 

Kilborn tried to resettle artisanal miners 

in Wassa but failed . Some people died. 

Their experience ought to serve as a lesson 

for your proposed project. 

• This appears to be an ambitious 

project. South Africa has used mining 

projects such as this to build cities and 

other infrastructure. Will AGK do as 

mining companies did in South Africa 

and use the proceeds from the mining 

operations to tar the roads in 

Mongbwalu? 

• Electricity helps improve the 

standards of living both in Mongbwalu 

and Bunia. Could we expect to have 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – This is an important comment. At the 

moment, the mine is still being planned, and we do not know exactly 

where the infrastructure will be. We have a resettlement specialist on our 

team. He will look at the site and at potential areas where resettlement 

might take place. He will also advise on ways to minimise resettlement. 

Once it is clear that some resettlement is unavoidable, it will be necessary 

to negotiate with the affected people and draft a resettlement plan. The 

relevant government officials as well as the population will be informed. 

The negotiations will be fair and open, and will be done according to 


Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – As outlined earlier, resettlement will be 

minimised as far as possible. If the need for resettlement arises, it will be 

planned and implemented through a process where the affected parties, 

government and AGK will negotiate and reach an agreement. AGK will 

not tell people to move without these discussions and negotiations. 

We are aware of the artisanal mining situation around Mongbwalu. It is 

important first to understand the possible impacts on artisanal mining. 

One that is done, adequate mitigation measures can be found and 

discussed. AGK has stated that it would like to co-exist with the artisanal 

mining sector. 


• It is anticipated some roads will be refurbished, but not necessarily 

tarred. This matter is part of the ongoing feasibility study. Although 

the feasibility study is largely technical and financial, the 

environmental team is able to inform the feasibility team of the 

development needs expressed y the population. 

• The feasibility study is looking at several options regarding power. 

The use of hydroelectric power is being explored, linked to 

refurbishment of existing facilities. If this is done, there may be 

opportunities to share the electricity. However, SRK is not in a 

position to answer the question at present. 



Antoinette Wani 

some electricity in the two areas? 

Is it not possible for AGK to use Budana 

Awate, Member, power station? Why are they only looking 

OCEAN to use diesel generators. 

Jacques Risostan • The Bunia-Tshukumaki road must be 

refurbished. We know that AGK has 

the means to do it because it is a big 

company. 

• The Budana power station must be 

refurbished so that the Chef du 

Territoire can also benefit from it. 

Modestine AGK will exploit the minerals and leave 

the country. Therefore AGK must be in 

the forefront of attracting other companies 

in Mongbwalu. Other resources are 

available in the DRC. Such resources 

Guillaume 

Manganga, 

Deputy 

Coordinator, the 

Civil Society 


Awate, Member, 

OCEAN 

include wood, land for agriculture, etc. 

• How will AGK be able to transform 

Mongbwalu Town into a city? 

• In your BID you mentioned the AGK 

may use pre-fabricated materials to 

construct the mine. Why can’t they 

think about building something that 

will last for longer? Is it not a way to 

quickly get out of the country? 

We have been eagerly anticipating this 

project, but we are not confident that the 

things you have spoken about will come to 

fruition because we have lost hope. South 

Africa seems to have used the proceeds of 

mining that were generated from mining to 

build the country but I am not sure that the 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – The feasibility study is looking at both 

options. We will only know the answer when the feasibility study is 

completed. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Both suggestions have been noted and 

will be passed on to AGK. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – This is an important comment, because it 

addresses the economy beyond mining. As the local economy grows 

through mining other opportunities may well become viable. If investors 

and government work together local economic growth might be 

accelerated and sustained. 


• If the mining potential of the area is proven to be good, there could be 

many more mines. If this happens, it is possible that Mongbwalu will 

a large town or city with much better infrastructure and services. 

AGK, government and local people need to share that vision. 

• When a mine closes down, it seeks to rehabilitate the environment as 

far as possible. Infrastructure that is obsolete will remain on site. The 

infrastructure that can be re-used may remain in Mongbwalu. AGK 

and communities should perhaps look at infrastructure that can be left 

behind as a positive legacy. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Mining has been part of the South 

African economy for more than a hundred years. To build a city or a town 

one requires the contribution of many people: private companies, 

government, and communities. In the Congo, state-owned mining 

enterprises have been prominent in the development of the mining towns. 

They have done things that local government would do in many parts of 

the world. Today, private companies cannot replace government. They 



Labour relations Uvoya Uringu, 

Union Activist, 

CSC 

Job opportunities Kungito, 

Territorial 


Djugu 

same thing will happen in Mongbwalu. 

AGK seems to be thinking short-term 

because even the prefabricated 

infrastructure will be dismantled and taken 

back by AGK. 

Are your members of staff affiliated to a 

trade union? 

Shabini Kibaniki You seem to be honest. The health and 

safety of the people who will work for 

AGK needs to be assured. AGK should 

follow the safety regulations that South 

Kungito, 

Territorial 


Djugu 

Uvoya Uringu, 


CSC 

EIS process Jean-Paul 

Lonema, 

Coordinator, 

C.D.J.P 

Uvoya Uringu, 

Union Activist 

Africa subscribes to. 

Science and technology have improved 

dramatically in the past twenty years. Is 

this why the mining process will use 

mechanised mining? 

If AGK was to use mechanised mining, 

people with a high level of education will 

be necessary. This could potentially create 

skills and thus employment. 

pay taxes and contribute to local development where they can. For 

sustainable development both the private sector and the government must 

play a role. The taxes that South African private companies pay to the 

government assist in building the country. The fact that there many 

companies in South Africa has helped achieve economic growth and 

development. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – We often interact with trade unions, but 

there is not a union that represents consulting engineers and scientists. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – AGA is certainly aware of these safety 

standards. We would expect that they will apply their safety experience 

here in the DRC. 


• Mechanised mining is being considered as part of the feasibility 

study. We assume that productivity benefits are being considered. 

• Many of the people we have consulted ask about the jobs the mine 

will create. The numbers will not be large, but we cannot give details 

at the moment. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – The mine will at all times seek to hire 

people with the right level of education and skills. Where necessary, 

training will be provided. In addition, there may be other opportunities 

that may not require a high level of education, such as cleaning and 


driving. 

Can you open an office in Bunia? Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – SRK is new in Bunia. We have opened an 

office in Katanga because we do a lot of work there. The office is 

Can civil society meet to discuss the 

project’s potential impacts? Can we 

compile a list and send it to the relevant 

people at SRK or AGK? 

As someone who works for a trade union, 

it pleases me to see that things, notably the 

managed and run by Congolese staff. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – It is our job to learn through listening to 

the comments and suggestions of stakeholders. You are more than 

welcome to provide some input. Please forward inputs to Vuyo 

Matshikiza, using the details provided in the BID documents. We also 

intend to place comment boxes in strategic places so that people with no 

access to telephones or e-mail can contact us. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Thank you.


Communication 

strategy 

from CSC EIS processes, are moving forward. 

Guillaume 

Manganga, 

Deputy 

Coordinator, Civil 

Society 

Serge Ibihabo, 

Coordinator, 

P.N.U.D 

You seem to have forgotten the Ministry 

responsible for decentralisation, the 

Ministry of the Environment and the 

Department of Regional Planning in the 

list of stakeholders you need to contact. 

Having the suggestion boxes around 

Mongbwalu is a very good idea because 

people will be able to communicate and 

get involved in the process. Can you also 

put one in Bunia? Can people making 

comments write in the language of their 

choice? 

Jacques Risostan I notice that there should have been a 

senior AGK representative in this meeting 

because there are questions and comments 

to which SRK cannot respond. 

Social development Jacques Risostan In terms of development, we get the 

impression that AGK only looks after its 

own interests. Is that the case? 


Awate, Member, 

OCEAN 

• It seems that AGK is indifferent to the 

water pollution that is currently 

happening in Mongwalu because it has 

done nothing to prevent artisanal 

miners from polluting the water they 

use. 

• The project description talks about 

using underground water for its 

operations. What will happen to the 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Thank you for pointing these 

organisations out. The final report will be sent to the Department for the 

Protection of the Mining Environment (DPEM). 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – If you have any suggestions about where 

these boxes need to be place, please let us know. Comments can be in the 

language of choice of the person submitting them. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – An AGK representative should be present 

at all meetings. This will be the case at our next meeting with this group. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – One of the plans that SRK will be 

looking to prepare is a Community Development Plan. This plan will be 

one of the tools that will help to bring the mine and communities together 

to look at development opportunities. There be local employment 

opportunities, and local people will benefit. However, the jobs will be 

limited. Through the Community Development Plan SRK and AGK will 

see how secondary economic spin-offs can be created. To create these 

secondary job opportunities, AGK will have to cooperate with 

government, NGOs and communities. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – The purpose of the EIS is to understand 

the potential impacts of the proposed mine on the environment and the 

people. To determine the impacts we must understand the distribution and 

nature of water resources, and how they are used. We must also 

understand how artisanal miners work and how their activities are 

currently affecting the quality of the water. With this knowledge and 

details on the mine’s proposed water use, we will prepare management 

plans to deal with the impacts. 



Air quality Marie-Louise 

Vronya, Office 

Manager, Genre, 

Famille et 

Enfants 

Mining contract Jimmy 

Munguriek, 

Secretary, Le 

Cadre de 

Concertation 

(CdC) 

Uvoya Uringu, 


CSC 

EIS scope of work Tryphonnette 

Lobove, 

RP/OKIMO 

people living in Mongbwalu? They 

will get sick. 

Usually when an operation is in exploring 

an area, that company pollutes the air. 

What plans will AGK put in place to 

reduce air pollution? 

How will the outcome of your study 

influence the contract signed between 

AGK and the government? 

Can you say with certainty that the 

contract between AGK and OKIMO was 

successful? 

Your team of specialists should include an 

anthropologist. The reason is that African 

people are connected to their ancestors. 

You would not want to destroy the culture 

and heritage of the people who live in 


Food security Modestine The BID you have distributed lists a 

number of potential impacts. These scare 

me. If people lose their land, where will 

food come from? Will it be imported? 

SRK’s independent Uvoya Uringu, 


CSC 

The EIS is supposed to be undertaken by 

an independent consultant. As I 

understand it, AGK is paying for the 

study. Will AGK have any influence on 

you or on your findings? 

Tim Hart closed the meeting on behalf of SRK, and thanked those who participated 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – An air quality specialist has started his 

investigation. His focus is on areas closest to the proposed mine. Included 

in his study are smoke, fumes and dust. He will develop a mitigation plan 

to deal with the impacts. Broad community health and safety will also be 

a part of the management plans. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Of course we know about the contract, 

but we have influence on it. Our mandate is to provide input into the 

proposed project through the EIS process. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – SRK is not a party to the contract and 

cannot comment. Our understanding is that the contract has been 

finalised to the satisfaction of the parties. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – Studies addressing cultural and related 

issues will be conducted as part of the EIS study. Among other things the 

studies will look at cultural heritage, the legacy of conflict, socioeconomic 

circumstances, human rights, and indigenous people. The tools 

used to conduct these studies will include focus groups with women, men, 

youth and artisanal miners. Some members of our team are 

anthropologists. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – The potential impacts are currently being 

studied. It is possible that some people will lose some land, but the 

impacts will be kept to a minimum if possible. Careful and negotiated 

resettlement planning will be undertaken, and livelihood restoration will 

be considered. This might suggest that agricultural potential of the 

replacement land be improved. This will require the help of NGOs and 

the participation of communities. 

Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – SRK will protect its independence. The 

company has a reputation for independent work and we do not want to 

lose this. We share all relevant information (i.e. findings, results) with the 

mine’s stakeholders, so they can also judge whether we are acting 

independently. 



The District Commissioner’s Representative concluded the meeting with the comments outlined below 

Conclusion by the 

Representative of 

the District 

Commissioner 

Christophe 

Evilago 

On behalf of the District Commissioner 

and the Honorable guests that came to this 

meeting, I would like to thank SRK and 

AGK for organizing this workshop. This 

session has allowed us to see the impacts 

the proposed Mongbwalu project may 

have on the environment, on the people of 

Mongbwalu and on Bunia. The 

representative re-explained the purpose 

and highlighted the importance of the 

workshop. 









P O Box 55291 


South Africa 



Tel: +27 (0) 11 441 1111 

Fax:+27 (0) 11 880 8086 



Location: OKIMO offices 


Time: 15h10 


Minutes from the meeting with the OKIMO staff 


The meeting at OKIMO was held to ensure the involvement of the company in the EIS consultations. 

OKIMO is a partner in AGK, and hence an important stakeholder in the development and operation 

of the proposed Mongbwalu mine. OKIMO representatives also took part in the open meeting that 

was held with Bunia stakeholders in the morning. Background Information Documents (BID, in 

French) were distributed to attendees. 

1.2 Welcome 

Tim Hart of SRK Consulting thanked the OKIMO officials present for taking time to attend the 

meeting. Mr Malo Malobi of OKIMO thanked SRK, noting the importance of the consultations to 

OKIMO, especially as a partner in AGK. His further comments are presented in Table 1 below. 


SRK and OKIMO participants introduced themselves. For a complete list of attendees, please refer 

to Appendix 1. 



Tim Hart outlined the proposed project and the environmental and social impact assessment process, 

referring to posters and to the Background Information Document (BID). He provided a brief 

overview of key themes, outlined in Section 2.2 below. French interpretation was provided by Vuyo 

Matshikiza, of SRK Consulting. 

2.2 Themes 


Tim Hart noted that Ashanti Goldfields Kilo (AGK) is undertaking a feasibility study for the 

Mongbwalu Project, for which an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and an Environmental 



Management Plan for the Project (EMPP) must be prepared. SRK Consulting has been appointed as 

an independent service provider to lead the EIS and EMPP processes. 


The purpose of the meeting was to inform OKIMO about the proposed Project, the EIS and the 

stakeholder engagement process, and to solicit comments, concerns, views and issues. 


Tim Hart briefly described key elements of the proposed project, noting that the Project description 

is preliminary in nature. He referred those present to the BID document for more detail. 


Tim Hart outlined the four phases of the EIS process: Scoping (June to August 2010), Impact 

Assessment (July 2010 to January 2011), development of Management Plans (January 2011 to 

March 2011), and submission of the draft EIS to the regulatory bodies of the DRC government 

(March 2011) followed by finalisation of the reports. 

Mr Hart noted that five rounds of consultation with community and other stakeholders would 

accompany the EIS: two rounds at the beginning and end of Scoping respectively (June 2010 and 


reference): a third round after the Impact Assessment phase (February 2011 – to share and discuss 

impact findings); a fourth round at the end of the Management Planning phase (April 2011 – to share 


EIS submitted to government); and a fifth round to discuss the views of the government on the EIS, 



Tim Hart outlined potential impacts of the proposed project, noting that these are described in more 

detail in the BID. 


Tim Hart indicated that a wide range of specialist studies is envisaged for the EIS. He again referred 

participants to the BID. 





categories: 






meetings. He indicated that ongoing feedback from OKIMO would be very welcome. 

MATV Mongbwalu project 414878 June2010




Communication 

strategy 

Malo Malobi, 

Director, OKIMO 

Resettlement Malo Malobi, 


Employment 

opportunities/artisanal 

mining 

Ngbara Mdtego, 

Farming, OKIMO 

Malo Malobi, 


• Thank you for informing OKIMO of the purpose of 

your visit to Ituri. OKIMO was represented at the open 

meeting this morning, and we have been given a brief 

overview of what happened at the workshop. 

• The workshop you held this morning is very important 

for the OKIMO-AGK partnership. OKIMO’s Director 

General from Kinshasa had informed us about your 

visit and discussed the work you have come to do. 

• We plan to set up an office in Mongbwalu where a 

representative of OKIMO will be based. His job will 

be to oversee the work done on site. 

• It is a good thing that SRK has started to talk to the 

people, because the issue of resettlement seems to be 

on everybody’s lips. OKIMO is pleased that you have 

already alerted the people of Mongbwalu. We hope 

that through this consultation initiative, conflict in the 

region will be avoided. 

Relocation is not a practice AGK or OKIMO have 

invented. It is very common for projects such as this. 

Although the Code Minier would rather not resettle people, 

it provides guidelines for when resettlement is inevitable. 

The biggest problem will come when/if we relocate 

artisanal miners because they derive their income from 

artisanal mining. Activities such as agriculture can provide 

an alternative. The challenge will be to ensure a smooth 

transition between artisanal mining and farming. 

• Another issue worth mentioning is that Mongbwalu is 

a post-conflict region. If we provide ex-militias with 

alternative employment, the overall transition to 

stability will also be facilitated. 


Tim Hart (SRK Consulting) – We appreciate your 

concern about the resettlement rumours. When we have 

spoken to the communities about potential resettlement, 

we have indicated that we do not know for certain who 

will have to move and where they might go. We have 

however added that resettlement impacts will be 

minimised as far as possible, and that any resettlement 

arrangements will be fully negotiated by AGK and the 

affected parties. 


• Thank you for your comments. We will have 

resettlement and artisanal mining specialists on site. 

They will look at the current situation and will advise 

on how the artisanal mining issue might be handled. 

Following their studies, appropriate management 

measures will be developed. 

• The baseline studies that will focus on Mongbwalu, 

but there is also provision to consider key strategic 

issues in the wider context of Concession 40. These 

strategic studies will interact with various structures 

in Bunia.



• In your studies, you should recommend that artisanal 

miners be used to work for AGK. I believe that people 

will be opposed to the project if they are not given 

similar income generating activities. The fact that they 

are unskilled means that small wages will be required. 

• It is encouraging that there will be specialists looking 

into all aspects of the mining context, and the possible 

impacts of the mining. They should try to work with 

every local structure, including CBOs, trade unions 

and NGOs. 

• The communities expect social development to take 

place and we advise you to take it into consideration. 

• Hopefully the OKIMO-AGK partnership will be an 

exemplary one and that we can work together to meet 

the needs of the communities, of OKIMO, of AGK and 

of SRK. 

Tim Hart thanked all present and closed the meeting 

MATV Mongbwalu project 414878 June2010 

• We look carefully at social development 

opportunities, and will prepare a Social Development 

Plans. This will be done after the baseline and impact 

assessment studies are completed. 

• OKIMO can play a key role in the implementation of 

some of the management plans, especially 

considering the organisation’s presence and history 

in the Mongbwalu area.






Appendix E: Response Sheets 




Appendix F: Specialists’ Terms of Reference 

Climate and Air Quality 

Phase 1 – Establishment of baseline monitoring network 

• Review of available project documentation; 

• Literature review with respect to air quality and climate for the study area; 

• Determine whether the available air quality data is suitable for air dispersion modelling 

purposes; 

• Identify pollutants of concern for the proposed project; 

• Compile and information needs list prior to the site visit; 

• Procure and arrange for sampling equipment to be delivered to the site; 

• Site visit and reconnaissance; 

• Identify suitable sampling points and if possible conduct short term sampling using passive 

monitors; 

• Identify and train AGA staff to operate and maintain the gas and dust monitoring network 

• Establish an air monitoring network to monitor atmospheric gases (SO2 and NOx) and dust 

deposition, PM10 within each of the study areas using passive diffusion tubes, dust buckets and 

continuous monitors respectively; Data for three months will be collected and included in the 

Interim analysis and documentation. It is assumed AGA will continue monitoring thereafter and 

updated results will be included in the Final Report; and 

• Allow for one PM10 continuous monitoring station and 10 dust fallout monitoring locations 

within the mine concession and at locations where sensitive receptors are present. 

Phase 2 – Modelling and impact assessment 

The following preliminary scope of work is proposed for Phase 2 (to be finalised during Phase 1): 

• Collect baseline climatic data from existing sources as well on-site weather stations (if 

available), on the following parameters: 

− Regional climatic dynamics; 

− Precipitation: average monthly, annual and extreme events; 

− Storm precipitation characteristics (liaise with Hydrology study for particular statistics 

required); 

− Temperature: mean monthy, maximum and minimum; annual distribution and extremes; 

− Humidity and evaporation: average, annual distribution; 

− Wind fields: dry and wet season; annual; 

− Orographic effects. 

• Provide a description of relevant climatic conditions, variability and quality of information 

sources. Specifically, through the examination of hourly average meteorological data (wind 

speed and direction at 10 m height, surface temperature, atmospheric stability and mixing 

height) determine the atmospheric stability and boundary layer structure; 




• For the baseline conditions describe the current air quality situation prevailing at the site. 

Provide a relevant inventory of current emission sources (gaseous and air particulates) in the 

immediate site area. Describe any potentially sensitive receptor sites within a 3 km radius of the 

site that may be affected by fallout dust, PM10, and gaseous emissions that may be emitted by 

activities related to the project; 

• Preparation of a baseline climate and air quality report (Interim and Final); 

• Set up air dispersion model for dust and gas; 

• Run models; 

• Impact and risk assessment; 

• Formulate air quality management programme; and 

• Reporting in both Interim and Final Reports. 




Integrated Water Study 

The principal output of the integrated water study will be to develop a comprehensive project water 

balance as an input to determining the potential environmental direct and indirect risks/impacts to 

aquatic receptors for each project alternative. 

Surface water 

Surface water investigations will focus on: 

• Demarcating the affected catchments and identify the watercourses and wetlands in the area; 

• Selecting appropriate water monitoring stations reflecting background (unaffected) sites in the 

relevant watercourses, as well as those potentially affected by future mining activities; 

• Establishing flow gauging equipment at selected monitoring stations, and train at least 2 AGA 

site staff to manage them and maintain a linked database, using internationally accepted 

protocols and standards throughout; 

• Developing a comprehensive surface water quality protocol providing a rationalised description 

of the monitoring points, instructions for monitoring, sample preservation and despatch to 

laboratory. The protocol will also propose the specific range of analysis appropriate for each 

monitoring station, and the frequency at which samples should be taken (suggested monthly for 

a period of 12 months), and the maximum detection limits appropriate for determining 

compliance with relevant water quality guidelines or standards; 

• Providing on-site training in flow measurement and water quality sampling for two or more 

members of AGA site personnel and supervise the collection of the first set of flow readings and 

water samples. These will be forwarded to the selected analytical laboratory, with results copied 

to SRK in Johannesburg; 

• Calculate storm flow rates and water levels for different return events. 1:50 and 1:100 year 

floodlines will be mapped. If no DTM data is available, flood risk areas will be mapped based on 

available data. Floodlines can only be mapped if contour data of 2 m intervals, or better, are 

available. 

• Identifying the users of surface water within the area of influence of the proposed mine, and 

determine the applicable water quality and flow constraints that will ensure that downstream 

users are not adversely affected by the mining activities; 

• Prepare water balance for the entire mine – mining and processing. The water balance will treat 

each of the elements as a single entity (e.g. the processing plant will be a single block); 

• Scrutinising laboratory analysis reports to validate the analyses, and develop an Excel-based 

database for storage of the data in a format amenable to statistical manipulation and charting. 

• Statistically analyse water quality chemistry to characterise the baseline water quality of affected 

surface water bodies. 10 samples for 12 months, has been allowed for. 

Hydrogeology 

The hydrogeological component of the study will comprise: 

• Compiling a description of the regional, local and mineralized zone geology relevant to 

geohydrology and other environmental parameters; discussing problematic minerals and ; 




• Assessing groundwater monitoring points (if they exist) and historical data, designing a 

monitoring borehole network and initiating its installation; 

• Training site personnel to use agreed project monitoring protocols and to maintain a baseline 

database; 

• Characterising project footprint area groundwater resources (quantity and quality); 

• Undertaking a hydrocensus of the project footprint area to map groundwater use and users and 

undertaking packer testing of 5 holes; 

• Collecting hydrochemical data to determine ambient groundwater quality and evaluate 

groundwater recharge and recharge source(s); 

• Evaluating groundwater flows, mine dewatering simulation and groundwater/surface water 

interactions; 

• Modelling the impacts of the project on groundwater resources, integrating geochemical data 

into the model. 

• The activities for the integrated water study include: 

• Review existing data and preparation of site visit; 

• Project initiation and workshop; 

• Site visit to : 

− Develop a water monitoring design and a water quantity and quality monitoring protocol 

− Installation of flow gauging stations (10 of surface water flow meters) 

− Install Piezometers equipment into 10-15 boreholes 

− Undertake packer testing of 5 holes 

− Training a AGA site staff 

− Supervising sampling collection and liaise with labs 

• Estimate peak flows, volumes and annual runoff for the impacted catchments; 

• Prepare a water balance for the mine; 

• Describe the potential changes in hydrology due to the mine infrastructure; 

• Regional and local hydrogeological description; 

• Development of hydrogeological conceptual model and construct 3D numerical groundwater 

model at conceptual level: dewatering requirements, estimation of passive and residual passive 

inflow, extent and influence of cone of drawdown. 

• Describe the groundwater in the area (flow and potential of infrastructure to contaminate); 

• Surface and groundwater quality characterisation; 

• Evaluation of groundwater/surface water interactions; 

• Undertake an impact/risk assessments for the proposed mine; 

• Identification of mitigation measures; 

• Reporting in Interim and Final Reports, and review. 




Soils and Land Capability 

To meet the generic objectives of the study, which include characterising the soil types, land 

capability and land uses of the study area, the following tasks are anticipated: 

• Review existing information which will include a search of previous studies for regional soil 

maps and land capability classifications. Furthermore, aerial photography, cadastral maps and 

geological maps will be used to describe the following aspects which will require groundtruthing 

in the field: 

− Underlying geology and surface topography; 

− Land use; 

− The proximity of the areas under investigation to the surrounding land users; 

− Physical features which may influence soil type. These include water bodies, outcrops, 

slopes (although unlikely at the study area) for catena differences etc. 

• Undertake a field investigation with the following activities being completed to obtain the 

information required: 

− Soil profiling using hand auger and limited test pits. This will be done on a scale using a grid 

spacing of 200 x 200 m where it has already been determined that infrastructure will be 

constructed (total area approx. 250 ha). A wider grid spacing of 500 x 500 m will be used in 

the area where high level mapping is required (total area of 200 ha – compartment 2 TSF). 

− Augers will be undertaken by hand to a depth of 1.5m or refusal; 

− Forty soil samples will be collected analysed for fertility parameters required to assess 

agricultural potential; 

− Soil characteristics will be logged in terms of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) 

Guidelines for Soil Description, 2006 which includes physical and morphological 

characteristics as well as information used to derive land capability. 

− Include identification and mapping of degraded (eroded, abandoned, artisanal) areas. 

• Once baseline data have been collected and interpreted, maps will be prepared using a 

Geographic Information System (GIS) to indicate the following: 

− Soil type in terms of the FAO classification system; 

− The maps will indicate the soil form and family found in the areas; 

− Where data collection was possible (i.e. where soils are shallower than the 1.5 m limit of the 

soil auger) soil depths will be represented; 

− Land capability in terms of the FAO classification system; 

− Land use. 

• Complete an impact assessment using methodology consistent with the other specialists involved 

in the project and present the findings of the study in a report. 




Geochemistry 

The Mongbwalu lithologies suggest a potential for acid mine drainage, and this must be investigated 

as part of the feasibility studies, since mobilisation of heavy metals and other toxic by-products of 

mineral processing may result. SRK’s normally recommended approach for the investigation of the 

acid generating potential of the mine residues is a 3-phase approach. 

Phase 1, which should start as soon as convenient, is a screening activity using static geochemical 

testwork aimed at identifying which of the lithologies are likely to generate an acidic and metals-rich 

drainage stream (ARD – acid rock drainage), which might be neutralised in situ by carbonates and 

readily-weathered silicates, and which show little potential to generate acid. 

Phase 2: Those lithologies showing some potential to generate acid should then be examined further 

as a Phase 2 exercise, using longer-term kinetic column tests aimed at: 

• Confirming their acid generating potential 

• Confirming the adequacy (or not) of the in situ neutralising potential 

• Identifying the metals, metalloids and salts likely to be mobilised in the acid-generating process 

• Estimating the time frame over which the acid generation is likely to continue (which may 

extend to decades or longer without appropriate management). 

Phase 3 (if necessary) would aim at devising infrastructure design and management strategies to 

minimise the effects of acid generation. 

This proposal covers only the scope of work for Phase 1, which is considered adequate for reporting 

to the DPEM. Since SRK understands that ARD testwork has commenced, SRK proposes to initially 

review what has and is being done and to identify gaps and shortfalls therein. Acid-base accounting 

and the leachibility of sediments are both tests that are required as a minimum in phase 1. 

The results of this geochemical test-work will be validated and assessed by SRK geochemists and a 

report produced indicating the potential of defined lithologies and residues to generate acid, soluble 

metals and salts. Where the regional hydrological data and waste rock block model are available 

these results will be composited into the model to provide projections of acid generation on a mass 

balance basis, enabling design modification to be considered where appropriate. 

It is understood that AGA has already initiated the testwork. With this in mind SRK’s scope would 

involve 

• reviewing the methodology, choice of samples and advising on whether any further testwork is 

required. 

• Obtaining results and data from the laboratory; and 

• Analysing the results and reporting on findings. 




Terrestrial Ecology 

Two components to characterising the baseline and potential impacts of the project are proposed, as 

outlined in the table below. 

Focus Area Description Assessment methods 

Core footprint 

sites 

Adjacent forest 

sites 

Sites of direct impact by 

operations (e.g. tailings storage 

facility, staff village, pipeline, etc.) 

Forest adjacent to core site 

considered to be important for 

biodiversity and at risk for indirect 

impacts from operations 

In-depth surveys using plots and reconnaissance 

resulting in species inventories for floral and faunal 

communities, and ecosystem services assessment 

Rapid assessments using reconnaissance surveys 

focusing on floral diversity, mammal presence and 

current hunting levels 

(1) Detailed survey of the core footprint area will be conducted to establish baseline data as well as 

transects and plots for future monitoring should the client chose to do so. These sites are expected to 

be somewhat degraded already, but this assessment will provide detailed maps, species lists and 

robust data on the impact of the project footprint itself. 

• Floral surveys - Prior to in-situ activities, the core footprint area will be characterised by broad 

vegetation types from remote sensing analyses. Based on these results systematically placed 

sampling plots will be identified and established. Field botanists will use standardised botanical 

inventory techniques to create a species list for each plot and habitat type. 

• Faunal surveys - Faunal surveys will focus on four principal groups of conservation interest: 

large/medium sized mammals (i.e. primates, ungulates), reptiles, amphibians and birds 

(invertebrates are excluded). Mammalian, avian, reptile and amphibian communities will be 

assessed using a combination of systematically placed reconnaissance walks and line transects. 

Results from systematic faunal surveys will be complimented wherever possible with 

opportunistic observations and information on species distribution and abundance trends from 

interviews with knowledgeable locals. Where possible, indices of relative abundance (usually 

sign observed/ survey distance) will be calculated however the small size of the core footprint 

zone may result in a comprehensive list of species present rather than abundance estimates for 

each group. 

(2) Reconnaissance surveys in selected areas of more intact forests adjacent to the core area to west 

of the Ituri River, to assess the distribution of flagship species and the extent of existing human 

impacts. It is these areas that will face the greatest direct risk and drop in biodiversity levels as a 

result of mining activities. Therefore the true impact of the mine will be evident here over time, and 

a solid baseline is therefore needed. The number and location of these surveys will be determined 

based on the initial desk study review of habitat types and threats, as described below. 

The field surveys will be undertaken using a variety of techniques (e.g. plots, transect walks, 

capture) implemented by researchers and field technicians. 

Both dry and wet season surveys for the core areas have been allowed for in this proposal, and 

results along with an impact assessment and management recommendations will be presented in an 

Interim and Final report. 




Aquatic Ecology 

The area is unique from a biodiversity perspective in that it occurs within the Albertine Highland 

Freshwater Ecoregion. This region is characterised by high-elevation rivers and streams that form 

part of the Congo River basin. As for the terrestrial biodiversity study, this uniqueness signals a 

requirement to be especially rigorous in establishing a comprehensive baseline. 

SRK’s aquatic consultant, GroundTruth, proposes a multiple-parameter monitoring strategy to 

characterise the biodiversity and integrity of aquatic ecosystems in the project area, as follows: 

• Benthic (bottom-dwelling) diatoms: Diatoms are single-celled creatures with distinctive ‘exoskeletons’ 

have been shown to be reliable indicators of specific water quality problems such as 

organic pollution, eutrophication, acidification and metal pollution, as well as for general water 

quality. Given their small size, and generally almost cosmopolitan distribution they are also 

suitable bio-indicators to be used in situations where the native aquatic fauna may not be too 

well studied or known, as is the case in some regions of the DRC. The sampling protocol for 

diatom collection is also relatively straightforward, hence it is a technique that easily be taught to 

a local technician on a mine site. Once preserved, samples may also be stored for some 

considerable time before needing laboratory analysis, making them suited to infrequent or erratic 

transportdynamics of transferring samples back to South Africa for analysis. For the above key 

reasons they are included in this project as a key element of the assessment and longer term 

monitoring programme. 

• Aquatic macro-invertebrate indicators: Using the SASS5 indices modified for the DRC (see 

Dickens and Graham 2006), the state of the ecosystem is indicated by the ratios of different 

taxonomic groups commonly found in aquatic ecosystems. 

• In situ water quality indicators: In line with standard bioassessment protocols, a suite of 

ancillary in situ water quality indicators will be measured at each sample site, namely dissolved 

oxygen, pH, conductivity, water temperature and water clarity (using water clarity tubes, a low 

technology but effective way to measure this important parameter). 

• Biological accumulation: Fish tissue samples will be taken during the ichthyofaunal surveys and 

used to determine the possible contamination and bioaccumulation of mercury (due to artisanal 

mining) in the aquatic environment. 

The following minimal scale of monitoring is recommended for significant river systems draining 

the project boundary. 

• At least at a single site upstream of the development (representing a suitable control/reference 

site), and 

• At a single site downstream of the development (representing a potentially impacted site). 

The upstream site will provide a rough reference condition as to water quality conditions and aquatic 

ecosystem health conditions prior to mining (within the concession area) and the downstream site, 

obviously the possible impacted conditions. 

Additional sample sites may need to be established in the field based on the specific topography and 

layout of the developments. Furthermore, the following additional sites are recommended, 

particularly given the already potentially impacted condition of the receiving rivers due to 

surrounding mining and artisanal activities: 




• A site in a local unimpacted river to establish reference conditions within the same ecoregion. 

• A site downstream and beyond the mining concession, i.e. below a possible sacrificial zone 

where recovery and more extended downstream impacts of the mining operation may be 

determined. 

Access to these latter two sites may not be logistically practical. As such a decision on their 

sampling will only be finalised in the field. 

Sampling would be undertaken during the low flow season (before the 30 November) and the high 

flow season to characterise the systems. During active mining operations, the diatom and water 

clarity monitoring should be undertaken on a routine basis. Diatom analyses would be undertaken on 

preserved samples exported back to South Africa. 

All monitoring sites will be geo-referenced with detailed fixed-point digital photographs collected to 

identify sites for future/further monitoring. 

The study will conclude with an impact assessment and detailed report (both Interim (dry season) 

and Final Reports). 




Noise 

In order to identify noise sensitive receptors and major existing noise sources in the study area, to 

determine current ambient noise levels within the project affected area, and to assess the noise 

impacts of the proposed mine, the following methodology is proposed: 

• A site visit will be conducted in order to familiarise the consultant with the project area. The 

location and characteristics of noise sensitive receivers and existing major sources of noise will 

be identified and described. The locations of representative noise measurement points will be 

selected and ambient noise level measurements taken. 

• Measurement of pre-development ambient noise levels: at selected noise sensitive receivers, 

ambient noise levels will be estimated by taking measurements in accordance with the 

requirements of the DRC Mining Code noise regulations. The results will be processed and used 

to estimate the general reigning ambient noise levels onto which the predicted noise levels will 

be projected. 

• Modelling and calculations: A detailed model for the noise emissions from the proposed project 

will be developed. It is proposed that the internationally accepted CONCAWE method be used 

for the calculation of noise propagation. This method takes account of the following factors: 

− The sound power emission levels of equipment and processes; 

− The attenuation of noise due to geometric spreading; 

− The attenuation of noise due to atmospheric absorption and the ground effect; 

− The attenuation of noise due to the screening effect of the topography and other structures; 

and 

− The effect of meteorological and other atmospheric conditions that influence the propagation 

of noise. 

• Graphic presentation of noise impacts: The noise impacts will be expressed in terms of the total 

resulting ambient noise levels and the increase in ambient noise levels caused by the noise 

emissions from the proposed project. The noise impacts will be presented as contours 

superimposed on a scaled map or aerial photograph of the project area and environment. 

• Impact assessment: The noise impacts will be assessed in terms of the guidelines provided by the 

DRC noise regulations and other international standards. 

• Mitigation measures and monitoring: If found to be necessary the effect of possible mitigation 

measures will be investigated and illustrated in terms of the resulting noise impact contours. 

The results will also be used to develop a noise monitoring program in order to ensure the 

effectiveness of noise mitigation measures. 




Blasting and Vibrations 

In order to identify potential blasting and vibrations related impacts that may be caused by the 

project, the following methodology is proposed: 

• A review of the blasting design of Owner’s project team (portals and underground mine) and of 

how the Owner’s project team are planning to reduce any blasting related impacts related to the 

surrounding structures and facilities of mine and stakeholders. 

• The relationships used by the Mine’s design team to assess vibrations resulting from the 

blasting. 

• The attenuation equations used by the Mine’s design team to assess the attenuation of the 

blasting vibrations with distance and direction, where relevant. 

• The review of the potential vibration impacts with regard to the sensitivity of these 

facilities/structures and the purpose for which these facilities and structures are used, as well as 

the impacts on any relevant stakeholders. 

• Comment on any monitoring protocols required. 

• Comment on any base line studies required. 

Recommendations will then be made with regard to the any additional work that may be required as 

well as monitoring protocols. The findings of the study will be presented in a short 8-10 page report. 




Visual and aesthetics 

For assessing visual impacts, SRK will develop a digital terrain model, should the data from the 

new aerial survey be timeously available, and use it to characterise the visual landscape, identifying 

critical viewpoints and viewsheds as a basis for assessing the visual impacts of the project. No 

quantitative modelling of viewshed and line of site analyses are required by AGA. 




Socio-economic Baseline Studies 

Context 

Due to the socio-political complexity of the Mongbwalu context, AGK envisages a relatively 

orthodox social baseline study, complemented by a health impact assessment and a series of 

specialist studies addressing sensitive and strategic social issues. These issues include human rights, 

economic impacts, artisanal and small-scale mining, indigenous peoples, resettlement and conflict 

impacts. The broad baseline assessment will be undertaken by SRK, while the focused specialist 

studies will be addressed by experts under the guidance of Synergy Consulting. The full suite of 

socio-economic studies is to be integrated in the comprehensive EIS, and the management aspects 

taken up in the ESMPP. A proposed framework for integration is included as Appendix H. 

As a matter of principle, the collective socio-economic assessments will have to be comprehensive 

and robust, both to inform inclusive impact assessment and management planning, and to address 

possible negative critique by NGOs and other interest groups taking an interest in projects by large 

mining companies in sensitive environments. In this regard, the critical reviews published by 

CAFOD are noted. 

Spatial scope 

Several of the focused specialist studies will address issues in the broader socio-political context (eg. 

across the entire area of Kilo Regional Exploration area. The broad baseline assessment will be 

undertaken at two levels: 

• The Project Impacted Area (PIA) , comprising settlements and communities in the proposed 

footprint of the mine, and those proximate to this area. 

• The Project Affected Area (PAA), comprising settlements and communities in the Mongbwalu 

Permit Area, and settlements and communities along the main road between Mongbwalu and 

Bunia. 

The boundaries of these areas, or zones of influence, will be refined as part of the preparation for the 

baseline assessment studies. 

The PIA will be subjected to detailed study using a variety of research instruments outlined below, 

while the PAA will be treated less comprehensively. For example household interviews will only be 

undertaken in the PIA. Focus group discussions will take place both in the PIA and the PAA. 

Method 

Information will be gathered from a variety of sources, and using several methods: 

• Documented secondary information. It has been established that pertinent material can be 

obtained from local government, NGOs, agencies of the United Nations (including Monuc), 

PACT Congo, and from AGK itself. 

• Key informants. Carefully selected informants are an important source of information. These 

will comprise individuals (in government and civil society) and organisations. It is expected that 

NGOs will be important informants. 

• Focus group discussions. Focus group discussions draw together specific groups (often those 

judged to be vulnerable). For the baseline assessment, focus groups will include women, youth, 

artisanal miners, and local business groups. Other focus groups might be formed following 




discussions with specialists undertaking the strategic studies (for example indigenous peoples). 

The focus group discussions will use rapid appraisal techniques. 

• Household questionnaires. These will be administered among a sample of households in the 

PIA. They will cover a variety issues relating to the status, health and wellbeing of the 

households. An important focus will be that of livelihoods, including ASM. The questionnaires 

will be designed in consultation with specialists undertaking the strategic studies. 

The approach to the broad social baseline assessment will include the following: 

• Initial contact with communities, possibly through the Mongbwalu Stakeholder Forum. 

• Sensitivity to culture and custom, including sensitivity to the role of traditional leaders. 

• Prior planning and scheduling, and disclosure and discussion of the schedules. On on-site 

coordinator provided by SRK will assist in this process. 

• Fieldwork will be managed by task leaders, and undertaken where necessary by trained 

fieldworkers. These will be recruited locally (possibly from NGOs) and will be trained by SRKs 

social specialists. Budgetary provision has been made for a local field team, and for local 

language interpreters. 

• Interpreters will be used in all situations. These interpreters will have command of local 

languages. 

• A dedicated quality control function will be put in place, to ensure the robustness and 

defensibility of the social baseline assessments. 

Tasks 

The following information will be sought through the broad baseline assessment (the scope of the 

specialised studies is addressed elsewhere): 

• The social, political and economic context of the Mongbwalu area and the Ituri region. Macroscale 

information will be largely from secondary sources. Micro-scale will derive in part from 

primary research. 

• Settlement patterns and types. This will include the known history of the settlements, and their 

tribal and ethnic characteristics. A link will be made with the indigenous peoples study. 

• Community organisation and dynamics will link with the above, and will address local 

leadership structures, community-based organisations, and relationships within communities. 

The legacy of conflict will be explored. This work will link with the conflict impact assessment. 

• Community socio-economic status. This will cover household structure, demographics, literacy, 

education, welfare, employment, basic services, mobility, and health. The latter element will 

inform the health impact study. Key vehicles for this information will be informants, focus 

groups and household surveys. 

• Local and regional employment and livelihoods. This task will link with the economic impact 

assessment. Key vehicles for this information will be informants, focus groups and household 

surveys. Some employment information might be obtained from secondary sources. A full 

understanding of livelihoods will be sought, including ASM. In this domain, close cooperation 

with the ASM study will be pursued. 




• In the context of livelihoods, it will be necessary to secure some understanding of the livelihoods 

of nearby Pygmy communities. A possible impact in this context is increased trade in forest 

goods, sourced by Pygmy communities, and sold to growing and more affluent communities 

around the mine. 

• Land use and agricultural practices. This will include land tenure systems and practices, and the 

players responsible for the control and distribution of land. 

• Local and regional infrastructure. Housing, water supply, sanitation, roads, hospitals, schools, 

clinics, electricity and communications will be included. Effectiveness and use of infrastructure 

will be assessed through household surveys and focus group discussions. 

• Local and regional governance, institutional arrangements and NGO activity. The roles and 

influence of organisations and institutions will be an important focus of this work, as well as the 

capacity and effectiveness of key organisations. 

• Perceptions, attitudes and expectations. These will be assessed largely through household 

surveys and focus groups. Broad expectations around the future of the region will be explored, 

as well as perceptions and expectations of AGK. Elsewhere in the DRC, community 

expectations of mining companies are often informed by the legacy of paternalistic state mining 

companies such as OKIMO. 

Impact assessment and management planning 

SRK will guide these tasks across all socio-economic themes for the purpose of the EIS and the 

EMPP. 




Transportation 

• Review available literature. 

• Undertake a site visit and identify, data requirements including current traffic and pedestrian 

flows on the surrounding road network, public transport and road safety (these may be visual 

assessments or actual counts may be required depending on volumes and road capacity). 

• Liaise with the project team, local officials and the relevant road authorities. In this regard we 

will require assistance from a local DRC representative to provide the relevant contact details for 

these officials. 

• Collect data on site. If the traffic volumes are low then sample counts of traffic, pedestrians, 

cyclists, motorcyclists and public transport vehicles will be undertaken of an average period of 

an average day at strategically identified locations on site. 

• Identify any existing road infrastructure, road safety or public transport related issues on the 

surrounding road network for existing traffic and pedestrian flows. This will include the haul 

route for supplies, equipment, raw materials and the finished product up to the first major town. 

• Estimate the potential volume of daily and peak hour external traffic that the proposed mining 

project would generate (to and from the proposed mine). 

• Estimate the potential volume of daily and peak hour traffic and pedestrians that would be 

generated during the construction phase of the project, if applicable. 

• Estimate the distribution of this additional and construction related external traffic within the site 

and estimate the distribution of the external traffic on the external road network. 

• Assess the traffic and pedestrian impact of the proposed project on the surrounding external road 

network including pedestrians, cyclists, motor cyclists, road safety and public transport. Note 

that road safety issues will be highlighted during the site visit, however, a detailed road safety 

audit has not been included as it is not always required. 

• Assess and comment on the structural capacity of the surrounding road network that will carry 

the traffic generated by the project. 

• Recommend external road network improvements that may be required to mitigate any traffic 

and pedestrian impacts that are identified including alternative routes, road safety and public 

transport. 

• Review the mine layout and comment on the adequacy of the proposed internal infrastructure 

including access roads, haul roads, bus stops and parking areas. 

• Participate in an impact workshop in Johannesburg prior to completing the traffic impact 

assessment and mitigation report write-up. 




Archaeology and Cultural Heritage 

• Review available project information and data for the area 

• Undertake a field reconnaissance survey, using satellite imagery/aerial photos as a guide, to 

establish whether there are any surface remains and artefacts of archaeological, historical or 

cultural significance on the proposed footprint areas and to record their geographical location. 

• Analyse any material found to establish the significance of sites/ material, and development of a 

register of sites and relevant material. 

• Identify sites/ material requiring excavation or preservation and document these sites in the 

report. 

• Identify significant sites in the footprint areas and comment on the possible occurrence and, if 

relevant significance of such occurrence, of sites in the wider Kilo Regional Exploration area 

and characterise the significance of these sites (e.g. traditional and sacred sites, cemeteries, areas 

for medicinal plant use). 

• This will require liaison with the relevant community and the socio-economic specialists to 

ensure alignment in data collection and reporting (especially with the social baseline team and 

the indigenous peoples and artisanal mining specialists – refer to contact details below). 

• If sites of importance are found, advise on the process to preserve or remove them as required. 

• Identify, map and describe the significance of any heritage sites 

• Maps should include the following: 

− Area of influence 

− Sample sites and transects e.g. excavations 

− Heritage sites and their classification and conservation status 

• Provide geographic co-ordinates electronically on the locations of identified sites and their 

attributes in the agreed co-ordinate system. 

• The baseline should be used to determine the direct, indirect and cumulative impacts arising 

from the activity for the key stages of the project including: preconstruction, construction, 

operation and post-closure, and for different alternatives. 

• Identify management and mitigation measures and actions that address the direct, indirect and 

cumulative impacts in order to comply with applicable laws, standards and good practice. 

• Provide details of any future work required. Recommendations must be formulated for the future 

monitoring of significant impacts, in the context of existing sources and receptors. This should 

include indicators, targets and where necessary, acceptable criteria. 




Health Impact Assessment 

The scope of work will be based on the HIA approach and will be divided into 4 phases or activities. 

The rapid appraisal and baseline data health description will inform the evidence required for the 

impact assessment phase. The rapid appraisal section has been selected so as to inform the 

integration into the social and environmental baseline data collection. 

The impact assessment will be performed based on the baseline evidence. The community health 

management plan will be developed based on priority impacts. 

Rapid appraisal 

• Project definition from a health perspective. This will be carried out through the review of all 

existing project documents and other available literature. This will include evaluating projects in 

similar settings in the DRC or the region. Analysis of any initial environment and social 

assessments, as well as the review of any stakeholder consultation meeting minutes or reports 

that may have occurred as part of either general public information/consultation will be 

considered. 

• Review country-specific health regulations which may affect the planned project. 

• Country and community health profiling: 

− Perform a literature review to describe the baseline health status at a national, regional and 

district level with a focus to detect project-attributable or general potential health hazards. 

This is desktop work. 

− Define and profile the communities that may be affected by the project development. This 

will be in relation to both directly and indirectly affected communities. This is important in 

the first phase of the project as the concession is so broad. This process will be aligned to the 

social and specialist studies and have a focus on communities (tier 1) that will be directly 

impacted in this first phase, and consider the indirectly impacted communities (tier 2) to a 

lesser degree at this time. This is field work. 

− Visualise the project and location of communities with environmental health considerations. 

Baseline health description 

• Describe the baseline health status of communities in relation to the project, with reference to 

environmental health areas framework. This will be based on the availability of data on rapid 

appraisal and be supported by data collected in the social baseline and other specialist studies. 

• Perform key informant interviews with key local stakeholders in the project area to support the 

definition of the baseline health status. These could potentially include: 

− Zone medical officer – a key representative that can provide information and highlight 

relevant health challenges in the area; 

− District medical office in Bunia; 

− Mayor or administration of Mongbwalu; 

− District Commissioner of Ituri; 

− Cadre de Concertation and Cafod representative; 

− Local/district/regional 

representative; 

HIV/AIDS program (PNLS) and malaria control (PNLP) 

− Community health/social workers; 

− Health care workers, the HSE manager at the project site; 

− Managers of NGO or aid agencies. This should include local health NGO’s and aid agencies 

including MSF and the IRC; 

− United Nations Mission in the DRC (MONUC); 




− Local authorities in education, water and sanitation and environmental health; 

− UNAIDS representative; 

− WHO/UNICEF representative; and 

− Rural development agencies. 

These key informant interviews will be split into separate portions. The initial visit by Dr Andoseh 

will address access to health information to describe the health baseline. The social and specialist 

teams will also meet a similar range of key informants and the planning workshop will be to define 

who these are. NewFields will then include health questions as relevant. The third phase will be just 

after the social baselines and before the impact assessment phase. This will be to validate data. 

• Support the specialist studies with health questions for the household surveys and focus group 

discussions. The household survey and focus groups discussions will be supported initially to 

ensure themes that have been included are locally applicable and that the reporting is performed 

as required. 

• Support additional baseline data collected as part of the recommendations from the mitigation 

and management plans as defined in the community health plan. This will assist in describing a 

more robust baseline and also for surveillance but can only be collected once the project is well 

defined. 

Impact assessment 

• Consider the potential health impacts that the proposed project will have on the health of these 

respective communities and relate them to the different life cycle stages of the project. 

• Consideration of alternative options and recommendations for mitigation/management of 

priority impacts. Recommend measures to avoid/mitigate negative and enhance positive impacts 

resulting from the project at the relevant project life cycle. 

• Determine the health needs of the community based on health strategies, infrastructure, 

programs, service priorities, delivery plans and challenges. 

Community health management plan 

• Seek to identify partners that may support any health support opportunities. These should 

include the local authorities, non governmental agencies and even donor agencies. 

• Develop a community health management plan based on the findings of the HIA and HNA. The 

sustainability of all recommended actions and strategy will be evaluated by the team to assist the 

long term planning. 

• Recommend methods for monitoring and evaluation of the potential impacts if this is possible 

from gathered data. Key indicators will be listed as part of the plan and a surveillance strategy 

outlined. 

• Collection of additional baseline data required to inform specific mitigation and management 

elements and support health impact surveillance. 

• Development of a monitoring information system/database 

• Integration into the project EIS and EMPP. 

Additional elements: 




Workshops 

A number of workshops will be conducted to support the project and include: 

• Planning workshop. 

• Workshop to support baseline data collection. 

• Impact Assessment workshop. 

• Community health and community development workshop. 

Peer review 

• As the health impacts are considered to be extremely sensitive the HIA and its deliverables will 

be peer reviewed by an external independent expert. NewFields can facilitate this through it 

affiliations with large international academic institutions such as Princeton or the Swiss Tropical 

Institute. 




SOCIAL SPECIALIST STUDIES 

The social specialist studies are being led by Synergy Global Consulting for AGA and are closely 

linked with the EIS process. The TOR for each study are outlined below. 

Indigenous People 

The objectives of the study are to provide AGK with: an indigenous people’s planning framework; 

an indigenous people’s plan; and develop an indigenous peoples’ engagement and consultation 

process which will support the EIS process. To meet the overall objectives of the study, the 

indigenous peoples study will perform the following: 

• Conduct a baseline data analysis and presentation, which will include the following key 

contributions: 

− Clarity on the identification of indigenous groups within the project area; 

− A context specific description of the historical, demographical and socio-economic 

characteristics; 

− An assessment of the impact of the project on indigenous people; and 

− Identification and analysis of stakeholders. 

• Undertake a field visit where the following activities will be covered: 

− Gather all relevant historical, socio-economic, demographic and anthropological data related 

to indigenous peoples in the context of the project area; 

− Identify and engage with local and international NGOs working with indigenous people with 

the project footprint and near cities; 

− Hold key informant interview to under specific issues related to indigenous groups living in 

the vicinity of the project area, whose lives, interests and entitlements may be affected by the 

project; 

− Visit indigenous people in their natural living area and engage with them regarding project 

impact on the lives; and 

− Establish legal and international “best-practice” standards to enable AGK to address these 

issues effectively. 

• Once the field data have been collected and interpreted, the following activities will be carried 

out: 

− Prepare an initial draft of key issues for discussions with the other specialist on other 

studies; 

− Liaise with other expert to see where they have linkages and exchange ideas on cross cutting 

themes; and 

− Provide result of preliminary consultation and engagement activities during the site visit. 

• Once the analysis have been completed the specialist will start assessing the impacts using the 

SRK impact assessment methodology. The indigenous peoples planning framework (IPPF) will 

be developed which will include the following key elements: 

− A framework for consultation, disclosure and meaningful participation of affected 

indigenous people; 

− A framework of management standards and principles to be applied only to the context of 

Mongbwalu; 

− General Grievance procedures and mechanism; 

− A compensation framework for indigenous peoples; and 

− An acceptable approach to address the specific challenges with the resettlement of 

indigenous peoples. 




The Resettlement Framework and Resettlement Scoping Assessment specialist 

study 

The resettlement framework scoping study aims to support the EIS process. The study will consist of 

three key components: 

• Overall Mongbwalu project resettlement policy framework. 

• Starter underground mine resettlement scoping assessment which will consist of: 

− Baseline data collection and analysis (rePlan will rely on baseline data collected by the lead 

consultant, and will input into data collection methodology and will also conduct its own 

field work); 

− Impact identification and assessment; and 

− Mitigation and management measures (including budget and work plan for implementation). 


out: 


studies; and 


themes. 

• Complete the resettlement framework using the methodology which is in line with the other 

specialists to provide a high level review for the future concession. Identification of likely land 

access and resettlement impacts, issues, challenges and risks related to future mining expansions. 




Artisanal and Small Scale Mining (ASM) 

The purpose of the ASM study is to provide AGK with an ASM management plan which will 

support the EIS process. To meet the overall objectives of the study, the ASM study will look at the 

following issues: 

• Review of existing information to determine information gaps and refine the scope of work. For 

this to happen, the following areas will researched: 

− Studies that have focused on ASM in the Mongbwalu area; 

− Various reports on AGA’s Kibali project (especially the ASM report); and 

− AGA’s management standards and other international standards. 

• Undertake field study with the following activities being undertaken: 

− Meet with cross section of stakeholders to understand the history of ASM in the project area, 

including history of relations with larger operators; 

− Meeting with ASM operators to understand the significance, scale and scope of ASM, 

including geography, demography and productivity of the activity; 

− Meeting with AGK JV partner to understand governance, including institutional framework, 

level of formality/legality, corruption and vested interests; 

− Organise focus group discussions with supply Chain Operations of artisanal miners; 

− Understand the livelihoods, including motivations and vulnerabilities of the ASM, 

importance of ASM to individual and/or household resiliency including income assessment, 

viability of alternative livelihoods; and 

− Meet with ASM operators to understand backward and forward linkages at the mining tier, 

wider impacts of ASM on the local economy to feed into the Specialist Study on Economy 

and also perceptions of ASM by key stakeholders. 


out: 


studies; 


themes; and 

− Start pulling together strategic issues in the current system from the perspectives of conflict 

prevention and sustainable development within the ASM sector. 

• Once the analysis have been completed the specialist will start assessing the impacts using 

SRK’s impact assessment methodology with the following views in mind: 

− What will happen if ASM opportunities are removed or reconfigured? 

− What are the likely impacts of the ASM sector on the Mongbwalu project? 

− What risks does it pose in terms of likelihood of conflict, in-migration, or site invasion? 

− What opportunities might the mine pose for ASM in terms of development of the sector? 

• Recommend management measures and monitoring requirements. 




Local, Provincial and National Economic Impact Assessment 

The objectives of the study are to provide AGK with a local, provincial and national economic 

impact assessment which will support the EIS process. The study will be looking at the following: 

• Local (permit area: Mongbwalu), provincial, national and regional (border area) economic 

systems and processes and governance structures in and around the Kilo Regional Exploration 

area, the main trading areas and the border area. 

• DRC mining sector economic overview. 

• Local and provincial economic context. 

• Economic diversification and linkages opportunities and regional (border area DRC and 

Uganda). 

• Opportunities in the agricultural and other economic sectors for local stakeholders and/or local 

sourcing (new analysis). 

• Other economic opportunities arising from regional processes, such as regional economic 

integration and cross border trade opportunities. 

• Identification of other programmes/development (and other) agencies currently in action in the 

region. 

• Identification of relevant actors; understanding their incentive systems; and identifying 

opportunities for collaboration such as public private partnerships. 

• Local and regional economic, governance and conflict analysis. 

To meet the overall objectives of the study, the study will perform the following: 

• Collate secondary data from previous studies that are related in the area, e.g Kibali Gold Mines, 

and draws from these examples. 

• Undertake a field visit with the following objectives: 

− Understand how AGK can support the private sector to assist them in collectively becoming 

a positive influence on the political economy of the mining sector in the DRC.; 

− Understand how AGK can collaborate where possible with other development partners like 

NGOs who are willing to enter into partnership with mining company; 

− Meet with all relevant stakeholder and economic operators in Mongbwalu; 

− Determine ways to promote female entrepreneurs particularly at the local level; and 

− Understand how the sector is governed and keep close taps on vested interests in the gold 

trade within the project area. 


out: 

− Prepare an initial draft of key issues for discussions with the other specialists; and 

− Liaise with other experts to see where they have linkages and exchange ideas on cross 

cutting themes. 

• Start developing the economic impact assessment to: 

− Identify concerns and issues for local and international civil society; 

− Identify opportunities for collaborative partnership with other business and development 

bodies (Public Private Partnership); 

− Identify issues of gender which will be key for management planning; 




− Provide an analysis of local and regional conflict dynamics with a particular focus on the 

economic dimensions of conflict; and 

− Provide a governance review of the study area, including stakeholder analysis. 




Significance of Conflict, Migration and Displacement 

Conflict is a key feature of this project area and represents a key risk to the project. The study aims 

to support the EIS process and will undertake the following: 

• Review existing data relating to the project area. 

• Undertake a field visit which will help the specialist to: 

− Develop a comprehensive historical background description of various conflicts in the DRC 

that may be of relevance to the project, using accepted social scientific techniques and 

methods. This description will consider both the micro and macro levels and focus on the 

underlying structural causes of conflict; 

− Identify potential project-related impacts that may inadvertently initiate or exacerbate 

conflict within the project area; 

− Identify the potential social risks posed by new conflicts (or simmering and unresolved 

tensions) that may appear (or re-appear) in the future; 

− Provide clear recommendations to the project on managing the impacts and risks associated 

with conflict; 

− Present all relevant findings in a clear, accessible and reliable report, organised so that it can 

be drawn easily and selectively into broader baseline studies, impact assessments, risk 

assessments and other management tools developed by AGK; 

− Promote the exchange of insights gained through the analysis of conflict in this study with 

other related areas of specialist studies; and 

− Meeting with all relevant stakeholders. 

• The study will also focus on internal displacement (a widespread consequence of conflict in the 

DRC) and current transformations of settlement that are associated with the post-war era, 

notably project-induced in-migration into the project area. 

• With regard to internal displacement the specialist will look at the following: 

− Social information related to internally displaced persons located in the vicinity of the 

project area; 

− Specific issues related to internally displaced persons living in the vicinity of the project area 

whose lives, interests and entitlements may be affected by the project. These issues may 

include (but are not necessarily limited to): the potential for persons displaced from the 

project area by conflict to return and settle within the concession; the claims and 

entitlements of internally displaced communities currently settled within the concession, 

particularly with regard to their possible resettlement; and the rights of internally displaced 

persons under international and national law and the role of the project in recognising those 

rights; and 

− Issues related to internal displacement, framed in terms of established national and 

international legal norms and standards related to the protection of internally displaced 

persons. 

• Project-induced in-migration: 

− Social information that will shed light on the potential scale and social dynamics of inmigration 

into the project area; 

− Specific issues related to in-migration in the project area which may include the proliferation 

of a range of social pathologies associated with uncontrolled in-migration such as poverty, 

domestic violence, intra-communal violence and the degradation of social infrastructure; and 

− Issues related to in-migration, framed in terms of established international standards and 

practices. 


out: 





studies; and 

− Liaise with other experts to see where they have linkages and exchange ideas on cross 

cutting themes. 

• Analysis the data with the view of providing: 

− A baseline description and analysis; 

− Internal displacement management framework (IDMF); 

− In-migration management framework (IMMF); and 

− Conflict management and mitigation plan (CMMP). 




Report No. 

Copy No. 

SRK Report Distribution Record 

Complete this form and include it as the final page for each copy of the report produced. 

414878/TOR 

Name/Title Company/Organisation Copy Date Authorised by 

Environmental Department SRK 1 Sept 2010 D GIBSON 

SRK Library SRK 2 Sept 2010 D GIBSON 

Environmental Manager: 

Monitoring and Compliance 

AGA 3 Sept 2010 D GIBSON 

Environmental Manager: 

AGK 

AGK 4 Sept 2010 D GIBSON 

Director DPEM Kinshasa 5 Sept 2010 D GIBSON 

Director Ministry of Mines Kisangani 6 Sept 2010 D GIBSON 

OKIMO Offices Mongbwalu 7 Sept 2010 D GIBSON 

CDC offices Bunia 8 Sept 2010 D GIBSON 

Approval Signature: 

This report is protected by copyright vested in SRK Consulting (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd. It may 

not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever to any person without the 

written permission of the copyright holder, SRK.

Mongbwalu Project Environmental Impact Study ... - SRK Consulting

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