Environmental Impact Assessment - Mining and the Environment: From Ore to Metal - page 106

Social Investment - More than a Buzzword

Social investments encompass the range of community development activities undertaken
by the mining company to maximize the benei t of the operation to the local communities.
To some degree, they are designed to offset negative impacts caused by the mine. More
generally they are also the means by which the company builds renewable resource capital
to offset the loss of the mineral resource capital in the region.
No single dei nition of social investments has emerged, nor is there a single approach
that can apply to all mining projects. Social investment is very much dependent on con-
text, and community development programmes differ from mine to mine. Social invest-
ments are typically undertaken in partnership with local governmental organizations
and community based NGOs. Social investment includes programmes that improve the
social infrastructure of the region, encourage environmental protection, build community
capacity, and lead to improvements in education and livelihoods. In developing countries
and elsewhere where Indigenous Peoples are involved social investments are essential to
the success of the project. They may also bring considerable benei t to the reputation of
the company. To the extent possible, programmes should be designed to avoid long-term
dependency on the mining company.

Social investment is very
much dependent on context,
and community development
programmes differ from mine
to mine.

Monitoring and Auditing

Environmental monitoring is necessary for several reasons. Monitoring prior to commenc-
ing operation of a mine provides the benchmark against which environmental impacts
are measured. It provides information on the environmental quality before, during, and
after mine operation. Monitoring needs to address all i ve environmental components: air,
water, land, biota, and people.
It is recommended that monitoring programmes include reference locations simi-
lar to those in the mine environment but which are unaffected by the mine (also called
control points). Monitoring a reference location provides helpful insight into environ-
mental, social, and economic changes that occur in a similar setting over time without the
mine. Only by comparison can the impacts of the project be distinguished from natural
changes.
Ongoing monitoring during operation will help to pinpoint vulnerable aspects of the
operation and occasionally will highlight general operating dei ciencies. It demonstrates
the effectiveness of environmental controls and protection measures. Environmental
monitoring is also a regulatory requirement to demonstrate compliance with applicable
national standards and project specii c requirements.
Environmental auditing is essential since it includes the review of administrative and
managerial practices. Audits can be usefully conducted at all stages of the project. For
example, a Construction Audit may be scheduled to evaluate whether or not construction
is being carried out in accordance with project commitments and applicable regulations.
During operations, audits are usually carried out at regular intervals - usually yearly.
However, surprise audits may also be undertaken. Mine Closure Audits are carried out to
assess closure progress and achievement of closure goals and acceptance criteria.
Environmental audits critically review the adequacy of the company's environmental
policy and objectives, the environmental management structure, and the i nancial and
human resources allocated to environmental management. Audits can be carried out by
the company (internal) or by third parties, usually consultants (external). An environmental

It is recommended that
monitoring programmes include
reference locations similar to
those in the mine environment
but which are unaffected by the
mine.

Environmental audits critically
review the adequacy of the
company's environmental policy
and objectives, the environmental
management structure, and the
fi nancial and human resources
allocated to environmental
management.