The Baseline - Mining and the Environment: From Ore to Metal - page 355

Two approaches are used for the scoping process. The i rst is based on applicable require-
ments of the regulators, prospective i nancial institutions, or the proponent. Regulatory
and i nancial institutions often apply pre-dei ned scoping criteria; however, no univer-
sally accepted scoping methodology or format exists in the mining sector. Environments in
which mines are developed vary widely and may be highly complex, meaning there can be
no single scoping method applicable to every mine, anywhere in the world. Furthermore,
the extent of what is possible in any particular case will depend on the resources and capac-
ities available. Environmental scoping may include desk studies, satellite imagery analy-
sis, interviews and discussions with relevant experts, and limited i eld surveys. It usually
includes compilation of existing data and information, including traditional knowledge
(jointly termed secondary data). Most commonly, environmental scoping comprises both
secondary data collection and a site visit, but without actual i eld sampling and laboratory
analyses. However, many mining companies initiate some primary data collection activi-
ties, such as climate and water quality parameters during the early exploration stage. In
these cases, the primary data would be included in the scoping process.
The second approach to scoping is public participation and the involvement of experts.
Ideally, effective scoping involves dialogue between the mining company and public author-
ities. This will be supplemented by consultation with formal and informal public leaders at
the proposed mine site and the general public. Public involvement, however, is the excep-
tion rather than the rule in most developing countries, at least at the early stage of a mine
development. Environmental scoping then follows a management approach, whereby issues
of importance are addressed based on professional judgements.
It is evident that successful scoping requires appropriate expertise. Whoever is under-
taking an environmental scoping study, it is important that involved professionals have
sufi cient information about the project and the area which will be affected, to enable
potential project related concerns and opportunities to be identii ed. An understanding of
relevant legislation and regulations of the host country and its implications for the project
are also important. A site visit is extremely useful; experienced professionals will derive
much useful information from even brief observations, which will provide important
input to the subsequent design of data collection programmes.
Whether undertaken as part of a legal process or as good practice in environmental
assessment process, scoping brings a number of benei ts. When scoping is carried out well,
the EIA process has a good chance of proceeding smoothly and efi ciently; when carried
out poorly, it is likely that important issues will be overlooked or underestimated, leading
to unnecessary delays and costs. Information generated during scoping is useful in planning
the extent of baseline surveys, ensuring that i eld surveys address natural resources of con-
cern that may be affected by the project (or that will affect the project) while at the same
time avoiding lengthy research and investigation of topics with little relevance to the project.
Scoping also helps to identify 'fatal l aws' or 'show stoppers' early in mine design. One of the
main benei ts of scoping is that it provides environmental input in mine design at an early
stage where fundamental changes can be made to the project without excessive cost impli-
cations and without causing project delays ( Figure 8.4 ) . Figure 8.4 illustrates that the space
available to resolve problems diminishes as project planning advances. Of course, the atten-
tion level and capacity available to resolve problems are higher during the design phase.
Scoping is particularly important in addressing social issues, since its purpose is to
develop a basic understanding of a project's social setting, potential stakeholders, stake-
holder issues, and the range of probable social costs and benei ts to be addressed.
Scoping also provides the best opportunity to minimize the quantity of EIA documen-
tation. As well as identifying the issues of most importance during the EIA process, scop-
ing also identii es issues of little concern, enabling them to be eliminated from further

Environmental scoping comprises
both secondary data collection
and a site visit.

An understanding of relevant
legislation and regulation of the
host country and its implications
for the project are important.

One of the main benefi ts
of scoping is that it provides
environmental input in mine
design at an early stage where
fundamental changes can be
made to the project without
excessive cost implications and
without causing project delays.