Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
doubting public. Any attempt to 'gild the lily' is likely to generate expectations which can
not be realized, providing seeds of future problems.
In an area with no previous experience of mining, one of the impediments to effective
communication is the lack of awareness on the part of the community to the nature and scale
of the proposed project. To overcome this problem, some companies arrange for representa-
tives of local communities to visit existing mining operations. This has proved to be particu-
larly valuable. However, it is important that the mine or mines that are visited are of a similar
nature and scale to the proposed project. Otherwise, false expectations will be generated.
Unfortunately, not all the stakeholders in a mining project have genuine interest. Radical
anti-mining activists, often grouped as an NGO, tend to insert themselves in new mine
developments to block them, regardless of their benei ts. False stakeholders have become a
major concern for both governments and investors.
2.5 WHEN IS AN EIA REQUIRED?
In the i rst instance the answer to this question depends on the host country's jurisdiction.
A screening process is used in most countries in order to identify those projects for which
a full-scale environmental impact assessment must be made. In effect, screening clears all
projects with minor environmental impacts for development. Most jurisdictions and inter-
national lenders have established exclusive and inclusive thresholds to simplify the screen-
ing process ( Figure 2.5 ). For projects within the inclusive threshold, the preparation of the
environmental impact assessment is mandatory. Projects with minor environmental impacts
fall within the exclusive threshold and environmental assessment of these projects can be
kept very simple. The World Bank and the Equator Banks dei ne projects that require a
full environmental impact assessment as Category A projects (IFC 2006). Mine projects
are commonly classed as Category A projects. For projects that fall between the inclusive
and exclusive thresholds, the screening process, together with consultation of the relevant
authorities, leads to a decision on the extent of the required environmental assessment.
The World Bank and the
Equator Banks defi ne projects
that require a full environmental
impact assessment as Category A
projects
FIGURE 2.5
Threshold for EIA Requirement
EIA REQUIRED?
YES
A Screening process is used in most
countries to identify those project
for which a full-scale environmental
impact assessment must be made.
As such screening clears all projects
with minor environmental impacts for
development.
Inclusive
Threshold
EIA is more likely
Inclusive
Threshold
CASE BY CASE
EIA is less likely
Exclusive
Threshold
NO
 
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