Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
but associated mine waste disposal sites, mine infrastructure, roads, rails and pipeline rights-
of-way often do. However there is usually some l exibility in the siting of mine facilities,
access routes and infrastructure so that the resettlement of people can be minimized, if not
avoided. Of course there is little l exibility with the site of the mine itself.
Project-related environmental change and pollution such as degradation of water qual-
ity, increased noise or dust, or increased trafi c may also make it necessary to physically
relocate people. For instance, the Skorpion mine in Namibia, South Africa is relocating an
informal settlement of about 4,500 people for health and safety reasons (Rio Tinto 2005).
The argument previously voiced by developers and lending agencies that 'You can't
make an omelette without breaking eggs' (Goodland 2004) is now outmoded and discred-
ited. Globalization and the attendant global environmental awareness have forced mine
developers to avoid wherever possible, or otherwise to minimize negative impacts associ-
ated with the resettlement of people. Where it is unavoidable, resettlement now constitutes
a planned process involving project-affected people, host communities, mine manage-
ment, local governments and other relevant stakeholders. Today the goal of resettlement
is crystal clear: that displaced people will be better off after they have moved. Accordingly,
where poor or disadvantaged people are involved, resettlement should be seen as a valu-
able project opportunity to reduce poverty.
The involvement in resettlement of multilateral lending agencies such as the World Bank
stems largely from their past involvement in i nancing large dam developments. These
projects, of course, have become synonymous with the involuntary displacement of millions
of people, often without adequate compensation or resettlement assistance. It was largely the
resultant negative publicity, and criticism of the lender's failure to intervene on behalf of the
displaced people that led the World Bank in 1990 to spearhead the development of policies
and procedures for involuntary resettlement. The bank's current policy, applicable to pri-
vate sector investment, is the IFC's Policy on Social and Environmental Sustainability and
its associated Performance Standard (PS) 5 Land Acquisition and Involuntary Resettlement
(IFC 2006). IFC PS 5 addresses both physical displacement (where people experience relo-
cation or loss of shelter) and economic displacement (where people or communities experi-
ence loss of assets or access to assets that leads to loss of income or means of livelihood).
IFC PS 5 describes the World Bank Group's resettlement policy for private sector
projects ( Table 14.1 ) and is the most widely used international benchmark for private sec-
tor projects involving resettlement. IFC PS 5 also forms part of the Equator Principles.
IFC PS 5 covers: policy objectives; types of impacts; required assistance or compensation
measures; eligibility for benei ts; resettlement planning, implementation and monitoring;
and resettlement instruments. Required resettlement instruments may include a resettle-
ment action plan (for projects involving physical displacement) or resettlement framework.
The Guidance Notes associated with PS 5 provide additional clarii cation on procedural
requirements to achieve the required standards.
Dams generally displace far more people than mining, as they invariably inundate valley
l oor areas which are usually populated, sometimes densely. Mining, except for some sur-
face coal mines, seldom impinges on these areas. However, the i ndings and lessons learnt
from past dam developments are relevant and instructive in relation to resettlement due
to mining. The World Commission on Dams (WCD) has published a set of guidelines for
good practice, which encompass how to plan and implement involuntary resettlement. As
well as covering issues related to the economic and bio-physical impact of dams, the report
on 'Dams and Development' covers the experience of displaced people and their resettle-
ment and compensation (WCD 2000). The WCD recognizes that successful resettlement
relies upon supporting national legislation and development policies, as well as account-
ability and commitment from governments and project developers (Goodland 2004).
Today the goal of resettlement
is crystal clear: that displaced
people will be better off after
they have moved.
IFC PS 5 is the most widely used
international benchmark for
private sector projects involving
resettlement.
Successful resettlement relies
upon supporting national
legislation and development
policies, as well as accountability
and commitment from
governments and project
developers.
 
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