Was the Environmental Assessment Adequate? - Mining and the Environment: From Ore to Metal - page 501

Land Acquisition and Involuntary Resettlement . A resettlement plan should be devel-
oped for every project involving involuntary resettlement and impacts from land acquisi-
tion. World Bank OP 4.12 and ADB (2000) outline the requirements for resettlement plans.
Road Access . Access to land and its various primary and secondary impacts are often over-
looked in the environmental assessment of mining projects although they may cause some of
the most signii cant adverse impacts. Direct impacts of new access roads may include land
instability and soil erosion. River crossings are of particular concern. Indirect impacts may
also occur if the road facilitates third party access to natural resources, leading, in some cases
to illegal logging, hunting or illegal artisanal mining.
Land Settlement . Land settlement is the managed process of opening new lands to planned
permanent occupancy. Due to the complex physical, biological, socioeconomic and cultural
impacts, land settlement, land use, land title and land acquisition should be carefully reviewed.
Induced Development and Other Socio-cultural Aspects . Secondary growth of settlements
and infrastructure, often referred to as 'induced development' or 'boomtown' effects, have
major indirect environmental and social impacts in developing countries. Often, local gov-
ernments have difi culties in addressing and managing these developments. Such impacts
should be taken into account in project design and in the EIA documentation.
Cultural Properties . It is in the public interest to protect non-replicable cultural prop-
erty. Sites, structures and remains of archaeological, paleontological, historical, religious,
cultural, aesthetic, or unique natural value should be identii ed and addressed in the EIA.
Natural Resources . The environmental assessment should demonstrate that exploitation
of natural resources is carried out in an environmentally and socially sound manner and on a
sustainable basis.
Biodiversity . Conservation of endangered plant and animal species, critical habitats and
protected areas is of particular relevance for mining projects particularly for large-scale
projects located in remote or pristine environments.
Coastal and Marine Resources Management . Planning and management of coastal marine
resources, including coral reefs, mangrove swamps and estuaries are relevant to some mining
projects, where ports are to be constructed or where submarine tailings disposal is planned.
Tropical Forest, Wetlands and Wild Lands . The environmental assessment should review
to what extent areas of particular biological value are affected by the mining project. The envi-
ronmental management and monitoring plans should clearly address such adverse impacts,
including providing information on compensatory measures.
Natural Hazards . The environmental assessment should address to what extent, if at all,
the project may be affected by natural hazards (e.g. earthquakes, l oods, land slides, or vol-
canic activity) and should propose specii c measures to address these concerns if appropriate.
Rehabilitation of Disturbed Land . A rehabilitation plan should be part of the environ-
mental assessment for a mining project. The aim of the plan is to ensure that land is returned
to a condition capable of supporting prior land use, equivalent uses or other acceptable uses
(see for instance: 'Base Metal and Iron Ore Mining, Industry Sector Guidelines,' Pollution
Prevention and Abatement Handbook, World Bank 1989). In most national jurisdictions the
preparation of a preliminary mine rehabilitation plan is part of the project approval.
Global Warming . Methane gas emission is a recognized potent greenhouse gas. The
EIA needs to address methane emissions in coal mining proposals.
Dams and Reservoirs . Large tailings dams (dei ned as over 15 metres in height by the World
Bank OP 4.37, 2001) and dams with design complexities, require special attention in the EIA
review.
Hazardous and Toxic Materials . Environmental management and monitoring plans
should address the safe use, transport, storage and disposal of hazardous and toxic materi-
als used in mining and mineral processing operations.

Access to land and its various
primary and secondary impacts
are often overlooked in the
environmental assessment of
mining projects.

The environmental assessment
should address to what extent, if
at all, the project may be affected
by natural hazards.