Involving the Public - Mining and the Environment: From Ore to Metal - page 154

is marginalizing for the non-specialist. Where specii c mining terms must be used, as in
the case of 'tailings' it is important that the meaning be fully explained and that feedback
be obtained so that it can be assessed whether or not the true meaning has been conveyed
and understood.

Lack of Documentation

The entire process of consultation should be well documented, including all participants,
issues raised, responses provided by project proponents and the impact upon subsequent
decisions. Minutes of meetings signed by all participants are helpful (if appropriate for the
type of meeting). Some companies opt to electronically record all important meetings. This
again is not appropriate for all meetings, but when done should be clearly stated at the
outset.

Lack of Capacity Building

Capacity building is an external as well as an internal concern. Instruction and training to
enhance cultural awareness (in both directions) as well as training on the objectives and
methods of public involvement may be needed for employees, project managers, central
and local government authorities, affected communities, and NGOs. It can be very valu-
able for all concerned if affected people are involved in the design and implementation of
project monitoring. However, this is only effective if those involved are sufi ciently famil-
iar with the issues to understand what is being done and why. This may require exten-
sive and extended training. A common dei ciency is for the company to devote insufi cient
resources and time to the process of capacity building so that meaningful public involve-
ment can be achieved.

Instruction and training to
enhance cultural awareness
(in both directions) as well as
training on the objectives and
methods of public involvement
may be needed for employees,
project managers, central and
local government authorities,
affected communities, and
NGOs.

Make it Flexible

A variety of consultation mechanisms exist. Project planners should select the one which
best suits the local circumstances. A variety of mechanisms could be tried over time, and
specii c feedback should be sought so as to gauge relative effectiveness. Particular consid-
eration will be required in the case of stakeholders with special needs (e.g. language, dis-
abilities, the elderly, and the young). Different communities and different questions will
produce better responses with different forms of consultation. A mix of qualitative and
quantitative research methods generally provides the best results.

Make it Community-focused

Individuals should be asked not what they want personally or what is in their self-interest,
but what they consider appropriate in their role as community members. Mine development
is not about the interests of particular individuals. On the contrary, to be sustainable, mining
is about providing benei ts for society as a whole. Discussions and participation should not
be centred on individuals' needs (although often it is) but about community benei ts and the
needs of the entire society.

Mine development is not about
the interests of particular
individuals. Mining is about
providing benefi ts for society as
a whole.