Indigenous Peoples Issues - Mining and the Environment: From Ore to Metal - page 672

This 'transition sensitivity' again rel ects a conscious acknowledgment of differing world-
views. An indigenous community may become accustomed to the activities of a small explo-
ration crew. To that crew, it is only natural to expect the arrival of a bustling construction
crew. This transition is not necessarily expected or welcomed by an indigenous community.

Participation in Decision-Making

Some mining operations are legally required to involve Traditional Owners in decisions
affecting the land. Other enlightened companies voluntarily consult Indigenous Peoples and
seek their input on a wide range of issues. This is particularly important during the planning
and design stages of a project when major decisions are being made. It is equally important
towards the end of the mine life as various options for closure are being considered.
A major decision that should involve the indigenous community is whether to insu-
late from or integrate the project into the local community. Table 16.1 lists the differences
between the two approaches, either of which may be valid, depending on circumstances.
The decision will be important to the company because of differing i nancial requirements.
It may also be important to the government's plans for regional development. Above all, it
will be of utmost importance to the indigenous community, and it is therefore vital that
the ultimate decision is in accordance with the community's wishes.
Other decisions that should involve Indigenous Peoples include the siting of facilities;
employment policies, particularly in relation to local recruitment; and measures for deal-
ing with a large inl ux of job seekers
Insulation is usually the better option for projects with an operating life of i ve years or
less, as there is little scope for major involvement of local, unskilled personnel in such ven-
tures, and it is a realistic proposition to isolate the project from surrounding activities for
such a relatively short period.
Longer term projects, particularly those with the potential to continue for 20 years or
more, have the potential to deliver much greater and more sustainable benei ts to indige-
nous communities. Importantly, such projects allow unskilled and semiskilled people to be

A major decision that should
involve the indigenous
community is whether to insulate
from or integrate the project
into the local community.

TABLE 16.1
Insulation versus Integration - Insulation is usually the better option for projects with an operating life of fi ve
years or less

Features of an Insulated Project Features of an Integrated Project

● Fly-in/fl y-out workforce ● Maximize local recruitment

● Encourage permanent, family involvement

● Single status, barrack-style accommodation ● Open town, family accommodation

● Isolate workforce from local people to mine site ● House workforce within or near existing communities.

● Restrict access of local people to mine site ● No restriction on public access other than those

required for public safety

● Separate utilities and infrastructure ● Share utilities and infrastructure

● Import goods and services ● Obtain goods and services locally

● Long working hours; little or no time for local recreation ● Normal working hours; normal time for recreation