Community Development - Mining and the Environment: From Ore to Metal - page 637

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fumigating;

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undergoing regular medical check-ups;

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monitoring of malaria cases at local health facilities;

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monitoring the types of mosquitoes in the project area; and

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selective use of malaria prophylaxis by mine personnel. (This is difi cult to maintain
over long periods of time without potential negative side-effects on the person's health).

Provision of emergency support to local communities in the form of medical assistance for life-
threatening illness or accidents, or as a response to natural disasters such as landslides, l oods,
earthquakes, or tsunamis, is vitally important for communities. There are many examples
where mining companies, such as PT Freeport Indonesia, have deployed company medical
personnel and equipment in response to such crises, even when they have been remote from
the company's operations. While this may be seen as providing services that are the respon-
sibility of government, such considerations do not apply in a crisis. Although the time frame
may be more compressed than under normal circumstances, given the need for emergency
assistance, the mining project should still attempt to use a consultative and participatory proc-
ess in an emergency response to the extent possible. CD programmes may include preparation
of equipment and training programmes to enhance emergency preparedness.
In spite of their best efforts and intentions, mining companies are frequently accused of
causing a deterioration of community health; historical evidence of mining supports such criti-
cism. It is also no secret that some mines and smelters in Eastern Europe, South America, and
other parts of the world, that operate with minimal regard for the environment have adversely
affected public health in nearby communities. This contrasts with most new mine developments
that generally contribute to improved public health in the host region. Nevertheless, opponents
of mining frequently accuse companies of causing community health problems, for example, by
contaminating surface waters. Rashes and other skin disorders are frequently cited as evidence
of such contamination. However, such allegations rarely stand up to medical scrutiny.

Provision of emergency
support is vitally important for
communities.

Most new mine developments
generally contribute to improved
public health in the host region.

Education and Training

Although community development budgets during exploration are generally quite lim-
ited, some modest opportunities for community development will always arise during this
phase, particularly when bulldozers and drill rigs are brought into an area without good
roads. Despite these limitations, the focus should be on education, which will not only
benei t the community but ultimately benei t the company too; however, rather than indis-
criminately funding the local schools directly, a CD programme should be designed with
careful and patient consultation as to how the available resources can best be allocated.
Programmes should be devised to provide sustained benei ts to the community, regardless
of whether or not exploration leads to a future mining project. If a project does eventuate,
improved education provides a basis for later CD efforts.
New forms of education and training are needed as the mining project evolves. The
main priorities should be training and educating local community members for the:
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construction stage - short-term programmes focused on basic-skills targeting adults;
and the

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operational stage - long-term programmes focused on professional and skilled tasks
targeting both adults and highschool students.

The mining company should consult with government education ofi cials on how it can assist
with the redistribution of current educational resources. In addition, it may directly establish
with local communities a scholarship programme for especially gifted local children.