Community Development - Mining and the Environment: From Ore to Metal - page 638

Some host country governments apply labour quotas to encourage training with a
decreasing ratio of expatriate to local personnel over the mine life. In fact the question of
local labour content is often one of the more contentious issues during the environmental
approval process. Once established, mining projects commonly i nd themselves involved
in continuous training of professional and skilled workers, as employees are 'poached' by
new mining ventures in the host country.

Once established, mining projects
commonly fi nd themselves
involved in continuous training of
professional and skilled workers,
as employees are 'poached' by
new mining ventures.

Infrastructure Support

Often there is very little in the way of basic or secondary infrastructure in a mining
project area. As the only organization in the area with sufi cient funds and expertise to
develop major infrastructure, a mining company can make a major contribution to assist
the local government in this i eld. Constructing and upgrading basic infrastructure is of
widespread benei t. Although priority should be given to the immediate project area, the
mining company may consider encouraging infrastructure development in surrounding
areas or potential growth centres, so as to reduce the attractiveness of the mining area to
further local migration. On the other hand, improvements to infrastructure may result in
improved access to those seeking project employment.
Mine development will have a substantial impact on transportation, both into and
within the host region, often providing an airport, seaport, as well as access roads. This
requires substantial forward planning and coordination between the mining company and
local government. This planning may include haul roads being used for community trans-
portation prior to and after their use for mining operations.
If the actual workforce during operation is relatively small compared to the size of the
neighbouring communities, it will be possible to seek housing for mine worker in adja-
cent villages rather than in an isolated mine camp. The benei ts are manifold. Community
members will gain i nancial benei ts by renting accommodation to workers. Mine employ-
ees in return become members of the communities and as such act as ambassadors for
the mining company. Adequate housing is not always available, either in number nor in
quality. This provides the opportunity to consult with affected communities to establish
adequate housing as part of community development programmes. The mining company
may provide initial i nancial assistance in the form of loans to be repaid over time.
Benei ts to the host region from the provision of electric power by the mining company
are obvious, and it is common for companies to provide electricity to nearby communities.
More distant communities may also be supplied but usually government or other assist-
ance is required to provide the necessary transmission and distribution facilities.
The provision of a source of clean drinking water is a high priority where ever people
settle. Lack of clean drinking water is often a major hardship for communities in remote
areas, even in areas of high rainfall. Local people are usually aware that many of the ill-
nesses they suffer are a result of water-borne infections. Any shortage of potable water will
be exacerbated by population increases brought about by mine development. Accordingly,
it is not surprising that provision of clean drinking water is one of the most common CD
programmes for mining operations in developing countries. Water requirements for a par-
ticular community depend on various factors, including:
1. size of the community and characteristics of the people;
2. climatic conditions;
3. demand from commerce and industry;
4. pressure on water;
5. quality of water;

If the actual workforce during
operation is relatively small
compared to the size of the
neighbouring communities, it will
be possible to seek housing for
mine worker in adjacent villages
rather than in an isolated mine
camp.

Provision of clean drinking water
is one of the most common
CD programmes for mining
operations in developing
countries.