Involving the Public - Mining and the Environment: From Ore to Metal - page 155

Failure to Recognize the Crucial Difference between Releasing
Information and Informing the Public
The wholesale release of vast amounts of data does not necessarily inform anyone. There
should of course be no question of hiding or distorting information, but care should be
taken to ensure that the overall effect of the release of information is to improve recipi-
ents' understanding of the issues (and the uncertainties) rather than simply providing data,
which may add to confusion.
To be most effective, the consultation process should follow the customary and legal
requirements of the host country. Anything else will be uncomfortable to the participants
and could lead to distrust. Although difi cult for project planners to avoid, to write off a
particular option as 'too expensive' should be avoided. Who has the authority to say that?
The alternative is to canvass the advantages and disadvantages of all options, including
costs. Also, statements that action to protect the environment or the public could harm
the project, are counterproductive as they will reinforce any concern that a risk is being
transferred from those who are benei ting to those who are not. When dealing with
risks to health and safety, it is important to recognize that nothing is entirely 'safe'. The
Government's role is to ensure that everything is 'safe enough'.
By avoiding these mistakes and pitfalls, consultation is more likely to be all-embracing,
meaningful, useful and effective. Avoiding common pitfalls is the i rst step towards
achieving community consultation that works.
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