20 social structures and community life 20.1 introduction · simandou seia volume i mine chapter...

Simandou SEIA Volume I Mine Chapter 20: Social Structures and Community Life

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20 Social Structures and Community Life 20.1 Introduction This chapter considers the Simandou Mine’s impacts on social structures and community life. Impacts have been assessed for the construction, operation and closure phases of the mine project. Potential impacts include changes to: systems for land tenure and distribution; infrastructure, services, and government delivery capacity; administrative dynamics between villages; culture, social values, and traditional leadership; and traditional household power dynamics. Following an assessment of the significance of these impacts, the chapter considers how the Simandou Project will mitigate negative impacts as well as enhance positive impacts through its Social Management Framework (SMF). A residual impact ranking is then assigned to each potential impact. Further details of the chapter structure are as follows: Section 20.2 provides a description of the approach used for the assessment, including a description of

how the study area has been defined and the criteria used to assess impacts;

Section 20.3 presents the assessment of impacts from the mine in the absence of further actions to mitigate negative impacts and enhance positive impacts;

Section 20.4 describes the SMF and associated mitigation measures for impacts on social structures

and community life, and then assesses the residual impacts after mitigation; and Section 20.5 provides a summary of findings. The assessment in this chapter draws extensively on baseline information presented in Chapter 15: Socio-Economic and Community Baseline. For a full understanding of potential socio-economic and community impacts associated with the mine, the reader should also consult the following chapters: Chapter 16: National Economy; Chapter 17: Employment and Economic Development; Chapter 18: In-Migration; Chapter 19: Land Use and Land-Based Livelihoods; Chapter 21: Community Health, Safety, and Security; Chapter 22: Labour and Working Conditions; Chapter 23: Ecosystem Services; and Chapter 24: Human Rights. 20.2 Approach 20.2.1 Study Area Development of the mine will have a wide range of effects on socio-economic and community conditions over geographic areas ranging from the immediate area around the mine to the whole of Guinea. The mine study area for impacts of the mine project on social structures and community life has been defined as the local study area, which comprises parts of the four sub-prefectures including and immediately surrounding the proposed mine (ie Nionsomoridou, Beyla Centre, Boola and Kouankan) and is broadly defined by the N1 road to the north and east, Boola Town and Dandano to the south, and Bonodou and Famoila to the west.


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The local study area is illustrated in Figure 15.1 in Chapter 15: Socio-Economic and Community Baseline. 20.2.2 Legal and Other Requirements This assessment has been prepared in line with applicable Guinean laws and development policies as well as IFC Performance Standards and Rio Tinto standards. Details regarding specific legal and other requirements relevant to the assessment of socio-economic and community impacts, including impacts on social structures and community life, can be found in Chapter 15: Socio-Economic and Community Baseline. 20.2.3 Prediction and Evaluation of Impacts The significance of potential impacts on social structures and community life is evaluated taking into account the magnitude of the change in baseline conditions and the sensitivity of affected receptors, following the general methodology presented in Chapter 1: Introduction. Further details regarding the methodology as applied in this chapter are described below. 20.2.3.1 Magnitude The magnitude of each potential impact on social structures and community life (both positive and negative) is ranked on a 4-point scale ranging from negligible through small and medium to large. Factors taken into consideration in determining the magnitude of potential impacts include the following. Scale of the impact: A potential impact that could affect a large number of people or over a widespread

area is considered to be of large magnitude. On the other hand, a potential impact that could affect a small number of people or over a small area is considered small.

Duration of the impact: A potential impact that is expected to persist for the lifetime of the mine project

would be considered large. A potential impact that is expected to last for only a short time (eg a few months at the start of construction) is considered small.

Intensity of the impact: A potential impact that could lead to a fundamental change in the way of life of

people or to the nature of relationships within a community compared to baseline conditions is considered large. Conversely, a potential impact that would result in only subtle changes in conditions is considered small. Note that in cases where a potential impact features a level of intensity warranting a high degree of attention by decision makers, a large magnitude ranking may be applied, even if the impact may be of small scale or duration.

20.2.3.2 Sensitivity The sensitivity of affected receptors (in this case, people and the communities within which they live) relative to potential impacts on social structures and community life is ranked on a 4-point scale ranging from negligible to low, medium and high. In practice, all people are considered to be of at least medium sensitivity so the negligible and low grades are not used. Sensitivity is determined by the characteristics of the population who are potentially adversely affected or gaining benefit. Specifically, it is related to the population’s resilience, that is, their capacity to cope with changes while maintaining their livelihood and social wellbeing. Resilience is often related to the extent to which people can access suitable resources such as assets, social networks, or other means by which they can derive livelihoods and upon which they depend. More sensitive receptors tend to lack resources that could help them respond to or manage changes which may affect their wellbeing. Often, this sensitivity, also commonly referred to as vulnerability, can be exacerbated if receptor rights to those resources are not recognised or protected. Factors that tend to increase sensitivity include: old age, youth, female gender, minority ethnicity, or religion; poor social and socio-economic status at birth;


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lack of access to land resources; lack of access to opportunities for income generation and employment; limited livelihood opportunities and livelihood alternatives; remoteness from urban centres and main communication infrastructure; poor quality and limited access to services (eg health, amenities); limited access to, and use of, natural resources including water; poor food security and reliance on subsistence farming; dependence on unique natural resources; limited education and skills; poor health or disability; absence of support networks; and marginalisation (ie degree of access to services and formalised rights). Conditions in Guinea place women in general as a highly sensitive (vulnerable) group. Gender is therefore specifically taken into account in determining sensitivity and the impact assessment and mitigation measures give specific attention to women and gender equality. 20.2.3.3 Significance Table 20.1 below presents the overall approach to evaluating the significance of potential impacts on social structures and community life. Based on considerations of magnitude and sensitivity, the table assigns a final significance ranking ranging from not significant to critical for negative impacts and not significant to major for positive impacts. For significant impacts, mitigation measures are identified with the objective of enhancing positive impacts and reducing the significance of negative impacts, and residual impacts are evaluated taking into account the proposed mitigation. The assessment has adopted a deliberately conservative approach to residual impacts as the full details of mitigation for impacts on social structures and community life are yet to be determined as part of development of the Project Social Management Framework. In practice, it is anticipated that the significance of residual impacts will reduce with the detailed development and implementation of mitigation measures. 20.3 Assessment of Impacts 20.3.1 Overview This section presents an assessment of potential impacts on social structures and community life in the local study area during the construction, operation and closure of the mine project. Potential impacts include changes to: systems for land tenure and distribution; infrastructure, services, and government delivery capacity; administrative dynamics between villages; culture, social values, and traditional leadership; and traditional household power dynamics. In assessing impacts, this section applies the methodology described in Section 20.2.3 above, taking into account relevant aspects of the socioeconomic and community baseline (see Chapter 15: Socio-Economic and Community Baseline) and the Project description (see Chapter 2: Project Description). Findings from the assessment are described in Sections 20.3.2 through to 20.3.7 below.


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Table 20.1 Evaluating the Significance of Impacts on Social Structures and Community Life

Sensitivity (vulnerability) of receptors

Magnitude of Impact

Change in economic or social conditions is within the normal range of conditions found in the study area.

Affects a small area or a small number of people relative to the total area or population within the area of influence and / or is of short duration (less than 1 year). Perceptible difference from baseline conditions.

Affects a substantial area or number of people relative to the total area or population within the area of influence and / or is of medium duration eg full construction period (3 years+). Clearly evident difference from baseline conditions.

Affects the majority of the area or population in the area of influence and / or persists over many years (eg Project lifetime). Change dominates over baseline conditions.

Negative Impacts Negligible Small negative Medium negative Large negative

Med

ium

More developed communities with greater capacity to change; better access to employment and commerce, resources, services; less vulnerability, greater level of education and skills.

Not Significant Minor Moderate Major

Hig

h

Less developed communities with lower resilience to change; more reliant on traditional / subsistence lifestyles; less access to resources, services; more vulnerable or otherwise disadvantaged people – eg poor, women, old, minorities, unskilled, low education / skills base.

Not Significant Moderate Major Critical

Positive Impacts Negligible Small positive Medium positive Large positive

Med

ium

More developed communities with greater capacity to for change; better access to employment and commerce, resources, services; less vulnerability, greater level of education and skills.

Not Significant Minor Moderate Major

Hig

h

Less developed communities with lower resilience to change; more reliant on traditional /subsistence lifestyles; less access to resources, services; eg more vulnerable or otherwise disadvantaged people – poor, women, old, minorities, unskilled, low education / skills base.

Not Significant Moderate Major Major

Note: “Negligible” and “low” sensitivities are not applicable to social structures and community life impacts as all people are considered to be at least moderately sensitive to both positive and negative effects.


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20.3.2 Systems for Land Tenure and Distribution Land is a critical resource that is relied upon for development and livelihood activities throughout the local study area. Land is administered through both statutory and customary systems of land tenure and usage rights (see Chapter 15: Socio-Economic and Community Baseline). This section considers potential impacts to these systems and patterns of land tenure. Potential impacts related to land use and land-based livelihoods are addressed in Chapter 19: Land Use and Land-Based Livelihoods. Land tenure and distribution patterns are slowly changing throughout the country towards more statutory ownership, particularly within and near urban areas. Project activities in the local area, including temporary and permanent land acquisition requirements, may accelerate this change. Other drivers could be formal land purchases by outside investors and increased demand resulting from in-migration. All of these factors would also increase demand, reduce supply, and drive land prices up. This may be significant in particular areas, notably Beyla, Nionsomoridou, Moribadou and smaller villages near the access road to the mine, as described in Chapter 18: In-Migration. A number of changes to systems and patterns of land tenure could occur as listed below. A shift away from customary land use rights towards statutory tenure and management (particularly in

larger settlements) could over time reduce the role of the traditional chef de terre (founding family) and their authority at the village level.

It may become increasingly more difficult for the majority of people to access land as there could be a

preference for statutory land sale as opposed to ownership based on customary rights. Many local people are likely to be excluded from acquiring land by purchase given the cost in relation to their subsistence livelihoods and low levels of disposable income. Whereas previously, sufficient land would have been available and the chef de terre could allocate new land where needed, it is expected that availability will become limited, particularly for those who cannot afford to purchase land.

Demand for land could initially be higher in the towns and larger villages (eg Beyla, Nionsomoridou and

Moribadou); however, as prices escalate in those areas, demand could grow in the smaller surrounding villages.

There may be increased pressure on the authorities to increase their capacity to process land

transactions. Presently, the formalisation of land transactions through registration is practised only to a limited extent, and the administrative capacity to manage these processes is equally limited.

The potential reduction in the land available for distribution and the higher value placed on land as a

result of the monetisation of the economy could reinforce the current position in which women are not granted rights to land.

As people struggle to find land for settlement, the risk of illegal land use practices may increase and the

land allocation system could come under pressure with illegal settlement encroaching on available land. Disputes and conflicts related to land ownership and rights to use land, which have previously been

limited due to customary tenure practices, may arise or be exacerbated by provision of compensation to those owning land.

When land transactions take place, vulnerable peoples (eg the illiterate, poor, and minority ethnic

groups) may not receive fair compensation or an adequate allotment of replacement land should dishonest parties seek to take advantage of their vulnerability by, for example, withholding information about their land rights.

20.3.2.1 Construction and Operation Phase Impacts The levels of vulnerability in rural parts of the local study area are linked in part to a system where the founding family have the authority to authorise or deny land to individuals (a process with inherent biases).


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The system has, however, been practiced for many years. The potential move towards statutory tenure will prevent the majority of local people from accessing land; already the purchase of land is typically only affordable for people from urban areas. Land rental will become more common but prices will be market related and will fluctuate with the level of supply and demand. Women, the elderly and marginal ethnic groups are likely to become further marginalised as typically they do not control household finances.

The changes in land tenure and forms of land distribution during construction and operations are expected to occur in areas of most economic activity and accessibility to the Project. They are considered to have an effect of a large magnitude, resulting from continuous demand for land, housing and infrastructure from in-migration and natural population growth and demand. The sensitivity of the population is considered high, due to the high levels of poverty, lack of disposable income and high reliance on the land for subsistence. Vulnerable groups are particularly sensitive. Land demand will increase at the start of construction and throughout operation. As such, it is expected that during the construction and operation phase there may be a critical negative impact to the affected population in the absence of Project mitigation.

20.3.2.2 Closure Phase Impacts During decommissioning and following mine closure it is unlikely that land tenure and distribution practices will revert back to the customary system. Society is expected to have adapted to the change and, accordingly, it is expected that statutory structures would have greater capacity and authority. Land prices are expected to decline as a function of the market and land will become more accessible to a larger percentage of the population.

Any changes in land tenure and forms of land distribution during the Project’s closure phase are considered to have an effect of a small magnitude, given expectations that statutory land tenure will have become the norm by this time in the absence of any support for maintaining customary structures. The sensitivity of the population is considered medium, as more people will be in a position to access secure land tenure and those who choose to sell will do so on a willing basis. As such, closure is expected to result in minor negative impact on the affected population.

20.3.3 Infrastructure, Services, and Government Delivery Capacity As described in the baseline in Chapter 15: Socio-Economic and Community Baseline, the provision of services and related infrastructure in the regional and local study area is limited, even in the larger settlements of Moribadou and Beyla. The Project has already provided some services and infrastructure in response to increased pressures during the exploration period as a result of economic activity and in-migration (eg road and bridge upgrades in Beyla; boreholes in a number of villages; construction of primary schools in Kankoro, Mafindou and Traoréla; and renovation of schools in Kérouané and Moribadou). However, the development of the Project and population growth, particularly from in-migration, will prompt further pressures on limited resources. The Project will require infrastructure for direct activities (eg road construction and upgrades, electricity, water) as well as workforce housing (eg housing, healthcare, education, sanitation). The Project proposes to develop worker housing integrated into the existing community, principally in Beyla, with a small long term accommodation camp for fly-in fly-out foreign staff and shiftworkers alongside the new mine access road near Wataférédou I. Although the Project will provide these requirements there may be increased pressure on local government to ensure service delivery and maintenance of infrastructure over the longer term to support the sustainability and reach of these investments among the broader community. Settlements in the local area are also likely to be substantially affected by an influx of job seekers, with Beyla, Nionsomoridou and Moribadou being identified as centres particularly at risk (see Chapter 18: In-Migration). These settlements are expected to experience strains on provision of infrastructure and services, as is already evident in villages close to the mine site (more distant settlements are less likely to experience


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immediate influx, particularly given transportation limitations for the local population such as availability and cost). Population growth will increase demands for infrastructure and services related to, as examples, water, power, sewage and waste facilities, health and education facilities, telecommunications, transports, markets, and finance. Some of these needs will be immediate (eg health and education), while others (eg banking) will emerge more gradually as people become more active in the cash economy. As more cash and material wealth emerges in the area, the likelihood for increased criminal activity and prostitution will also increase, requiring more substantial policing and judicial infrastructure. It is already evident that existing infrastructure and services and authorities’ responsive capacity are stretched and cannot currently cope with demand from the growing population. Beyla, for example, has already exceeded prefectural and subprefectural budgets. The social, environmental and health risks that arise from a failure to adequately provide for most of these needs will have serious consequences for the Project, existing communities, in-migrants and the authorities. 20.3.3.1 Construction Phase Impacts Influx of people to the local study area is expected to increase dramatically beyond existing levels as soon as approval for the mine project is announced, and pressure on services, infrastructure and local government capacity will start to increase. The initial impact of this on the capacity of local authorities (CRs, CU, and Sector Chiefs) to deliver infrastructure and services will be felt with increasing severity as the influx reaches a peak, and is then likely to level out, maintaining a fairly constant pressure as the population stabilises once the Project moves into operation.

Pressure on infrastructure, services and government delivery capacity will be felt mostly locally and to a lesser extent regionally during the construction phase, with influx most likely to peak during that period. Activities are considered to have an effect of a large magnitude, particularly in the larger towns and villages, given already strained infrastructure and services and low levels of government capacity to respond to the scale of anticipated population growth. The sensitivity of the population is considered high, due to poverty and lack of capacity to adapt without significant levels of intervention. As such, construction phase impacts are expected to result in a critical negative impact on the affected population in the absence of mitigation.

20.3.3.2 Operation Phase Impacts Influx is expected to level off as operation moves to a steady state. However, a substantial number of people are expected to stay on as part of the economy that will have developed during construction, and it is likely that the population size will keep growing but at a lower rate of change. It is possible that the tax base will increase during the operation phase however, there may be a proportionately higher number of people who may not pay taxes but also require services. Pressure on infrastructure and services will continue, though given expectations that the authorities, in partnership with the Project, will have met some of the infrastructure and service needs during construction, the gap between demand and supply should be less severe than in the construction phase.

The Project´s operations are considered to have an effect of a large magnitude related to pressure on infrastructure, services, and government delivery capacity, as the scale of continuing population growth and associated demands could be extensive and over a long duration. The sensitivity of the population is considered medium to high, that the population may still be vulnerable to change. As such, operations activities are expected to result in a major to critical negative impact on the affected population in the absence of mitigation.

20.3.3.3 Closure Phase Impacts By the end of operations, the Project will have endeavoured to uplift the level of infrastructure and build the capacity of local government and organisations, to help them reach a level that will be sustainable without


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on-going support and involvement of the Project and its contractors. This will be of significant value to the lives of the local population. However, if at closure the population shrinks rapidly with people leaving the area in search of new opportunities, an oversized civil service, infrastructure and service delivery will be difficult to sustain for a much smaller and less financially affluent population. The Project’s closure strategy will address this risk, however, the communities are anticipated to become more urban and consumption oriented, with expectations for sustained infrastructure maintenance and service delivery again placing pressure on government.

Closure phase impacts are considered to have an effect of a large magnitude, given that the demand for infrastructure and services will remain high in the local and regional area following mine closure, and it will become the responsibility of government to continue to deliver infrastructure and services without Project support. The sensitivity of the population is considered medium due to the potentially lower income level and potential increase in dependence on government provided infrastructure and services. However, the population may be smaller as people move out of the area in search of other opportunities. Some of those who stay may have acquired transferable skills during the Project’s operation phase that could be transferred to other businesses in the area. As such, closure is expected to result in a major negative impact on the affected population in the absence of mitigation.

20.3.4 Administrative Dynamics between Villages There are a large number of settlements in the local study area. During the mine project’s construction and operation phases, some settlements may be more directly affected than others and they will need to be given particular attention in terms of economic development and infrastructure as well as coordination with authorities on service delivery. To develop and operate the mine project it will also be necessary to upgrade road infrastructure and assist in the provisioning of water and electricity services, and this is likely to add to improvements in some villages. The mix of increased pressure in some locations and enhanced provision in others has the potential to affect relations between settlements, with power potentially shifting from places that currently hold administrative responsibility for the prefecture and / or sub-prefecture (eg Beyla, Nionsomoridou) to villages where there is more growth and activity as a result of the mine project (eg Moribadou). To date, the villages located closest to the mine area (eg Moribadou and Nionsomoridou) have grown more rapidly than others in the area, with an influx of job seekers and development of new infrastructure such as road upgrades. These changes in inter-community dynamics may be problematic given that the administrative centres that hold more statutory power may perceive an inequitable distribution of benefits, with growing villages attaining a higher status. All of these changes could create the possibility for tension and conflict within the local area. 20.3.4.1 Construction Phase Impacts Housing and infrastructure development to meet Project needs will be implemented during the construction phase, together with improved service delivery and capacity building as part of the Project Housing and Infrastructure Strategy (see Chapter 15: Socio-Economic and Community Baseline, Section 15.12). The current intention is to focus development on Beyla, with support to village planning and development in other settlements such as Moribadou and Nionsomoridou. As Beyla is the current administrative centre, this strategy itself should not lead to changes in the administrative power structure, but there is likely to be some measure of tension between other settlements, for example between Moribadou which has already grown as a result of in-migration during mine exploration and is expected to continue to expand very substantially, and its smaller subprefectural town of Nionsomoridou. Planned Project development is not therefore expected to cause major shifts in power dynamics but unplanned development in response to opportunistic in-migration, and any associated investments by the Project, local authorities, and donors, is likely to be a more significant cause of tension and possible conflict between settlements.


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The Project´s activities during construction will be felt at the local level, affecting villages and towns in the local study area. They are considered to have an effect of a medium magnitude, given the heightened tensions and changes already being experienced between villages. The sensitivity of the population is considered medium, due to the partnerships, capacity building and engagement already taking place between the Project and the local authorities. As such, construction is expected to result in moderate negative impact to the affected population.

20.3.4.2 Operation Phase Impacts The majority of changes in terms of housing, infrastructure and service delivery, as well as capacity-building, will have taken place during the construction phase, thus the conflicts between villages and towns are likely to have settled to some extent by the operation phase. Tensions may continue, particularly in early years, but it is likely that mechanisms will already have been put in place to manage these.

The Project´s activities during operations at the mine will impact local villages and towns in the local area. The operations activities are considered to have an effect of a small magnitude, as most of the tension is likely to have been resolved in the construction phase. The sensitivity of the population is considered medium given that most changes will are likely to have taken place during the construction phase and mechanisms should already be in place to manage the changes in administrative responsibilities. As such, operation is expected to result in a minor negative impact to the affected population.

20.3.4.3 Closure Phase Impacts Given the expected absence of major infrastructure and service delivery programmes in the closure phase, as well as expectations that communities would be accustomed to any power shifts between villages and towns established in the constructions and operation phase, the closure phase is not anticipated to have any impact and is therefore not significant. 20.3.5 Culture, Social Values and Traditional Leadership The influx of people to the local study area, potentially with their own cultural and social values, will have an influence on existing values and sense of identity. This will have a substantial effect because of the rural and largely traditional nature of the area, although the impact in Moribadou and Beyla, where significant in-migration has already taken place, is likely to be less significant. This impact will occur most intensely where there is a large presence of foreign workers and in-migrant job seekers (including Guineans from outside the area and other West Africans). In particular, the following significant changes are anticipated. Challenges to cultural and social values: Although cultural values and identities are dynamic and are

constantly subject to change, the extent and pace of change will be high. This has the potential to cause unease among the communities depending on their ability to respond to and assimilate these changes. The cultural and social values of newcomers to the area may also clash with those held within the local communities. This could cause tension and conflict, particularly among those who perceive their sense of identity and belonging to be under threat. People that are likely to be most vulnerable include the elderly, women, traditional leaders, and unskilled or unemployed people who are unable to adapt to the changes. Throughout the study area there is a high level of vulnerability in this regard.

Challenges to traditional leadership: With the expected levels of influx, traditional leadership will also

be challenged to redefine and assert itself. Outsiders will not be accustomed to or bound by allegiance to existing traditional leadership structures. Individuals with specific agendas or particular levels of skill and education are likely to assert the desire for more representative structures through which to engage the Project. If there is general community support for this more broadly representative approach, it is possible that traditional leadership roles will be compromised.


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Changes to formal and informal support structures: Where familiar formal and informal social welfare structures create stability and security, the disruption and upheaval caused by development and in-migration is likely to create anxiety and insecurity. People who depend on these structures may not be able to adapt to the changes. This is perhaps most relevant for groups such as the elderly, the sick and orphans dependent on these social structures and organisations for support and livelihood security. While these formal and informal social structures may not change, and may in fact even be enhanced by developments in the study area, the possibility of change and loss will be difficult for the most vulnerable people.

Loss of social cohesion: With migrant populations settling in the local study area, there is also a

likelihood of weaker social cohesion. Traditional structures in the local area are based on lineages and men, women and other groups have their own organisations in affected communities. The influx of newcomers into the local area is likely to weaken the cohesion of these mutual aid organisations due to a number of factors including social tensions regarding who can or cannot belong to various groups, increased monetisation of the local economy, and changing values. These changes are likely to impact women’s economic and social welfare in particular, as these organisations serve as mutual assistance for paid and unpaid agricultural labour, which is especially important in the local context in which women rarely qualify for credit.

Some people are well equipped to maximise the benefits of the Project (eg through employment or small business development), and will see the Project as an opportunity to escape their rural identity and become urbanised. In particular, it is expected that the youth will value the opportunities that the Project provides to potentially expand their lifestyle possibilities for the future, through options that were previously not available to them. These changes in cultural and social values are likely to be embraced as a positive impact, as has already happened in Moribadou. 20.3.5.1 Construction, Operations, and Closure Phase Impacts Potential changes are likely to be most pronounced and have the most impact during construction, particularly on more vulnerable groups who are not able to adapt to the multiple changes to their way of life and lifestyle. Following construction, the pace at which cultural and social values are likely to change should be significantly less dramatic as people will have adapted to some degree to the new values and sense of urban identity of the area. However, this does not imply that the changes will immediately stop or reverse, but rather that coping mechanisms amongst the less vulnerable groups at least will have been engaged. Throughout the Project lifetime, culture, social values and traditional structures will continue to change as the population grows through in-migration of Project employees and job seekers becomes more educated, and there is increased exposure to different cultures and world views. Depending on the level of vulnerability of the communities involved these changes could have a negative impact as people struggle to assimilate the rapid pace of change in the local area. For others, such as the economically active, who are able to embrace this change and actively seek to escape their rural identity, the impact will be perceived as positive.

The Project´s activities throughout its lifecycle are expected to bring changes to culture, social values, and traditional leadership in the study area. They are considered to have an effect of a medium magnitude. The sensitivity of the population, and perceptions of whether the impact is positive or negative, are likely to vary depending on levels of vulnerability and age. Sensitivity is likely to be (at least the early years of construction and operations) high negative for the elderly, traditional leaders (in some instances), and the unskilled or unemployed. Among those eager and able to embrace change (such as the youth) their sensitivity is likely to be medium positive. As a result, all phases of the Project are expected to result in moderate positive impact for the non-vulnerable to major negative impact for the vulnerable population in the absence of Project mitigation.

20.3.6 Traditional Household Power Dynamics Education and paid employment are important factors in bringing about changes in household power dynamics. Baseline studies show that women in the local communities suffer from time poverty, and taking


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on paid employment will introduce challenges of balancing paid work and the demands of unpaid work at home. Paid employment for men is also likely to mean a heavier workload for women because unpaid agricultural work for family subsistence (already undertaken mostly by women) is likely to become their full responsibility. The likelihood is that the resultant tension in households will provide opportunities for re-negotiation of the household division of labour. In those households where women are involved in paid employment, the income will make women less economically dependent on husbands and other male relatives. Women will therefore be in a more empowered position for such negotiations. In those households where only men participate in paid employment generated by the mine project, women are likely to end up with more workload but not necessarily the benefit of enhanced economic status and well-being. The gender division of labour at the family level assigns women the heavier unpaid workload and the same norms expect men to manage all the family finances (including, for example, details such as grocery allowances given to women for household shopping needs). However, in both scenarios, tensions arising from the changing household power dynamics may bring about an increase in domestic tension and potentially violence, already perceived as a problem in the local community. 20.3.6.1 Construction, Operations, and Closure Phase Impacts During the construction phase, significant employment and income earning opportunities will become available, though these may be of a short duration due to the limited length of the construction phase and its associated boom and bust profile (see Chapter 17: Employment and Economic Development). Any changes to household dynamics may be too short term to have a lasting effect on how households operate. However, the phase may present the beginning of long term income earning opportunities, particularly in cases of indirect or induced employment, that continue from construction to operation and beyond.

The degree of change in traditional household power dynamics across the Project lifecycle will depend on the length of employment and gender of the individual (eg short term contracts are unlikely to have an effect on power dynamics, opportunities provided only to men can have a negative impact on women’s status within the household), providing an average effect of a medium magnitude. The magnitude is small in the case of positive effects because without intervention only a small proportion of women are likely to be empowered to take up these opportunities. The sensitivity of the population is considered high, given women’s general vulnerability, low education and skills, and burden of work at the household level. Depending on households’ receptiveness to change, it is expected that the impact could be either positive or negative. As such, the Project is expected to result in a moderate positive impact where women are able to take advantage of wage earning opportunities and assume a greater role in household decision making with relative ease. In cases where women must assume greater responsibilities for the household’s non-wage earning tasks due to a further increase in male relatives’ wage earning power, or where her attempts to participate in household decision making are met with tension and conflict, the Project is expected to result in a major negative impact prior to any mitigation being implemented.

20.4 Mitigation and Residual Impacts 20.4.1 Overview This section presents mitigation measures for potential impacts on social structures and community life. Potential impacts include changes to: systems for land tenure and distribution; infrastructure, services, and government delivery capacity; administrative dynamics between villages; culture, social values, and traditional leadership; and traditional household power dynamics.


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As background to the mitigation measures presented, this section first describes the Social Management Framework (SMF) through which the Project will address socio-economic and community impacts. The section then summarises all mitigation measures for impacts on social structures and community life. Finally, the section assesses the residual impact significance for each specific impact following the application of mitigation measures. 20.4.2 Framework for Mitigation Measures To mitigate adverse socio-economic impacts and enhance positive benefits among the communities in which it operates, the Project has developed a Social Management Framework (SMF). The SMF falls under the Project’s Regional Development Strategy (RDS) and is designed to help to fulfil its objectives. 20.4.2.1 Regional Development Strategy The Regional Development Strategy (RDS) identifies the ways in which the Project can facilitate and support linkages between the entire region affected by the Simandou Project and national and local development initiatives in Guinea. The Project aims to extend benefits beyond the life of the Simandou Mine by integrating sustainability considerations into all Project decisions and partnering with local and international organisations on development issues. The objectives of the RDS are for the Project to: avoid a net adverse impact on socio-economic conditions;

become a catalyst of growth so that the Project, the government, donors and other investors can direct

resources to well planned development initiatives in a coordinated way; and

to the extent possible, ensure that local development aspirations are met.

Stakeholder involvement is considered critical to the Project’s alignment with Guinean development objectives. Accordingly, in 2012 the Project will establish a dedicated multi-sector forum (referred to at present as the ‘Regional Development Forum’) representing the Project, various levels of government, communities, and other stakeholders. The Project will also provide funding for the first regional economic plan. Thereafter, the Project envisages that its role would be that of a catalyst and long term stakeholder rather than owner, and that funding for the process in the mid- and long-term would be delivered through a fund established for this purpose (referred to at present as the ‘Simandou Development Fund’). 20.4.2.2 Social Management Framework The Social Management Framework (SMF) provides a structure for the detailed design and implementation of the Project’s social mitigation measures, which will be captured in a series of Social Management Plans. As illustrated in Figure 16.2, the SMF groups social mitigation measures into a number of programmes under four themes: Urban and Rural Planning; Employment Creation and Livelihoods; Community Health, Safety, and Security; and Cultural Heritage and Awareness. These themes serve to highlight linkages between mitigation measures developed for different impacts and to promote coordination of efforts during detailed mitigation design and implementation. The Social Management Plans will describe detailed actions, indicators and targets for each theme to be achieved through their respective programmes. The detailed design and implementation of the SMF will be influenced by a number of factors:

Draft for RT Internal Review


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Figure 20.1 Simandou Project Social Management Framework

Urban and Rural Planning

Programme Development

Prioritisation Alignment

SOCIAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

Stakeholder Engagement

Consultation, Information Exchange, and PartnershipsCapacity Building

• Vision and Objectives • Organisation • Funding • Programmes • Schedule • Communication • Monitoring and Evaluation

Development Policies

Grievance ManagementGovernment Donors Communities

Civil Society and NGOs

Private Sector

Employment Creation and Livelihoods

Community Health, Safety, and Security

Cultural Heritage and Awareness

PACV Studies and

AnalysisRegional Development Forum

Impacts and Risks Project Phase

Agriculture and Food Security

Local Procurement

SME Development

Employment and Work Readiness

Community Health

Community Safety and Security

Human RightsEmployee Housing

Infrastructure

Tangible Heritage

Intangible Heritage

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

Resettlement and Livelihood Restoration(PARC Framework and Implementation)

Beneficiaries Project Affected Peoples

In-Migration



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Prioritisation: The Project will prioritise mitigation measures that address negative impacts and risks, with special attention given to negative impacts anticipated to be of major or critical significance. Implementation timeframes will take into account the Project schedule and apply urgency in delivering measures that meet immediate needs in the first year of a given phase (eg construction), which may then be enhanced and expanded in subsequent years to encourage broader and lasting benefits. The Project will also consider appropriate target populations for mitigation, first prioritising Project affected communities (those affected both directly by Project activities and indirectly by in-migration pressures) and vulnerable groups within those communities over other potential beneficiaries. Recognising that impacts, risks, and affected populations (including vulnerable groups) may change over time, the Project will adapt its prioritisation process to findings from on-going monitoring as necessary.

Alignment: Where possible, the Project will align its mitigation with the development policies and plans

of local communities and government authorities (eg Local Development Plans, Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper) and objectives identified in relevant development forums (eg Simandou Development Forum, the Village Support Programme (PACV)). However, broader efforts to positively transform Guinea’s socio-economic environment will fall under the responsibility of the RDS. While it is anticipated that the RDS and SMF will work together to maximise the value of the mitigation by identifying appropriate partnerships and avoiding programmatic gaps or overlaps with other development entities, the SMF will initially maintain Project attention on the timely mitigation of negative impacts in Project-affected communities.

Stakeholder Engagement: The Project will engage a variety of stakeholders to consult, exchange

information, and work in partnership on detailed mitigation design and implementation. Consultation with Project affected communities in particular will be a critical factor in the design of the Social Management Plans. Any concerns regarding mitigation measures or Project activities will be managed through the Project Grievance Procedure (see Annex 1G: Simandou Project Grievance Procedure) and the outcomes arising from grievance resolution will inform the evolution of mitigation. In addition, the Project will support capacity building within government and civil society organisations to enhance their capabilities over time to participate in mitigation design, implementation, and monitoring. The Project Stakeholder Engagement Plan will describe the processes by which these engagements and partnerships will be managed. The Project will regularly review the efficacy of its engagement and partnerships and adapt activities when appropriate to support the achievement of its mitigation targets.

To mitigate potential impacts on social structures and community life, the Project will work closely with government and traditional authorities, communities, and other key stakeholders to support alignment of its programmes with regional and local development visions and objectives; target the inclusion of vulnerable groups in its programmes, including women and youth; and engage in on-going consultation and partnerships to promote programme success. Specific measures on alignment, prioritisation and stakeholder engagement will address impacts on social structures and community life as detailed below and further mitigation of these impacts will be achieved through measures under programmes within the SMF Urban and Rural Planning theme on: in-migration; employee housing; and infrastructure. Given the inter-linkages between these programmes, responsible parties will coordinate on design and delivery to maximise efficacy and share lessons learned. 20.4.3 Alignment The Project will collaborate with government authorities, communities, and other key stakeholders in the formulation and implementation of plans to promote social and economic development in the region affected by the Project, to the benefit of local communities, the environment and the nation of Guinea as a whole. Specifically, in collaboration with these stakeholders, the Project will, as noted in the SMF summary above:



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develop and implement a Regional Development Strategy, which is dedicated to the creation of a vision and plan for the Project-affected region aligned with national and local development initiatives and objectives; and

participate in wide-reaching local development planning initiatives supported by the Government of Guinea and, where available, international donors, such as the Village Support Programme (PACV). Project support to the PACV will include assisting local authorities in Project-affected communities in developing and implementing Local Development Plans.

20.4.4 Prioritisation Also as noted in the SMF summary above, the Project will consider the composition of programmes’ participants and give special attention to Project-affected communities and vulnerable groups, particularly women and youth (1). With regards to women and gender relations, the Project will, in addition to other explicit mitigation measures noted elsewhere in this SEIA: through consultation with (and with the approval of) local authorities, establish minimum representation

targets for women in all committees and monitor this target;

develop and implement gender sensitivity training for Project personnel and gender sensitive guidelines to support the equitable representation of women in stakeholder meetings and other key Project-related decision making processes; and

work in partnership with relevant organisations where available and appropriate (eg donors, civil society and NGOs) to strengthen positive gender relationships within communities through programmes supporting Project and community-identified needs (eg girls’ education, women’s leadership programmes, gender violence prevention programmes).

With regards to youth, the Project will in addition to other explicit mitigation measures for youth noted elsewhere in this SEIA: develop, in partnership with relevant organisations where available and appropriate (eg donors, civil

society and NGOs), youth leadership and education programmes that focus on topics including civic education and conflict resolution and improve the ability of youth to participate in community decision-making processes; and

support community-based and inter-village youth programmes for sport, arts, and culture. (The Project will implement these activities within the Intangible Heritage programme under the Cultural Heritage and Awareness theme.)

20.4.5 Stakeholder Engagement The Project’s engagement with stakeholders, whether through formal interactions by designated members of the Community & Social Performance and Economic Development teams, or informal interactions by other members of the Project workforce, will be underlined by respect for communities, traditional leadership, and community traditions. In its community level engagements, the Project will:

(1) Mitigation measures targeting youth will be directed towards young men and women approximately 15 to 24 years of age. However, this range may be adjusted upwards or downwards as determined appropriate for the Guinean context through on-going stakeholder feedback, and as required by applicable Guinean laws. See Chapter 15: Socio-Economic and Community Baseline for further details.



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consult relevant administrative and traditional authorities, including Councils of Elders, on issues associated with construction, operation and closure of the Project, and respect their roles and decision-making powers. The Project will also conduct consultation with communities through these administrative and traditional authorities;

proactively provide information to local authorities and village leaders and, where possible, identify capacity constraints and ways to assist leaders;

take cultural norms and traditions into account in its consultations (see Chapter 13: Cultural Heritage for further actions related to Project awareness of intangible cultural heritage); and

capture procedures and behaviour expectations for consultation with authorities and communities in its Stakeholder Engagement Plan.

To manage any informal interfaces between Project personnel and communities, the Project will: develop a Workforce Code of Conduct for Project personnel that describes rules to be upheld to

minimise the risk of anti-social behaviour; and

provide induction training on the Workforce Code of Conduct, associated disciplinary procedures, grievance management procedures and any cultural sensitivities relevant to worker activities and work areas.

Finally, the Project will support capacity building activities to bolster its partnerships with local government, civil society organisations, NGOs and communities as determined necessary by the Project for effectively delivering and maintaining programmes to mitigate Project impacts and enhance benefits to Project-affected communities. 20.4.6 In-Migration The In-Migration Programme will be guided by an In-Migration Plan that will address how the Project will: minimise in-migration as far as possible;

manage and direct the flow of in-migrants in accordance with regional planning objectives; and

implement mitigation measures to address the adverse environmental and social consequences, and

maximise the benefits, of in-migration. Activities designed to help meet these objectives include: developing and implementing a communications plan to discuss issues and concerns of government

authorities and local communities relative to in-migration, and to inform potential in-migrants of the scale and nature of opportunities to manage expectations and, where appropriate, discourage their moving to the Project area;

supporting Project site design and policies that discourage settlements or the establishment of roadside stalls outside designated zones;

working with national, regional, and local authorities; village leaders; and communities (as appropriate for the area of focus) to undertake urban and village planning to manage settlement patterns;

supporting local capacity for in-migration management, including through the development of local In-Migration Committees; and



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monitoring settlements to determine patterns of in-migration, understand the origins, characteristics and motivations of in-migrants, and identify the impacts of in-migration, and using the results to evaluate the success of its In-Migration Plan and revise it as required.

Within the scope of the In-Migration Programme and working in coordination with the Resettlement and Livelihood Restoration Programme (PARC Framework and Implementation; see Chapter 19: Land Use and Land-Based Livelihoods), the Project will also address land pressures due to in-migration through targeted measures to address land tenure and distribution needs. These include: working with the Ministry of Urbanism, Habitat, and Construction and prefectural authorities to support

the work of Land Commissions through administrative and technical assistance;

investigating, in coordination with government and traditional authorities, the ways in which statutory and customary land tenure practices may work in complement to enhance the accessibility of land to populations in the study area and to reduce potential conflict and grievances associated with land utilisation;

applying sensitivity in Project interactions with local traditional leadership and Councils of Elders in recognition of potential power shifts towards formal, government managed land systems;

providing support, through local community organisations, for land reform measures that enhance security of tenure for communities, such as land rights for women; and

monitoring challenges faced by communities, including vulnerable populations, in land compensation, registration, or access, and develop response measures as appropriate.

20.4.7 Employee Housing The Project is in the process of developing a Housing and Infrastructure Strategy for its employees, in acknowledgement that the traditional approach of building company townships for employees has historically led to unfavourable outcomes in many developing countries, including in Guinea. The Strategy aims to enable the integration of Project employees (foreign and local) into existing towns, promote home ownership among Project employees, increase purchasing in communities to stimulate the local economy, promote investment into local infrastructure improvements, and improve the standard of living and educational provision in communities. The Project will finalise the Strategy in collaboration with relevant authorities, and as part of the regional and urban development planning process discussed in the sub-section above. The Strategy will include measures to do the following: aim to integrate the workforce into existing larger towns (namely Beyla) with the most capacity to

accommodate new residents and in a way that balances employees’ expectations regarding housing with specific Project needs (eg logistics, access to work sites);

coordinate locations and construction schedules to integrate employee housing with existing infrastructure and with the urban development plans of existing towns;

promote home ownership among Project employees; promote investment into local infrastructure improvements (see Infrastructure programme below); and

provide camp accommodation as short term accommodation for temporary employees, fly in / fly out

expatriate staff, and employees on shift work. The Project will also establish a system of allowances to enable people to rent, build, or buy in existing communities. The Project will also support the development of a mortgage product to enable home



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ownership among employees. However, recognising the importance of traditional land tenure systems, the Project will also seek to support complementary and culturally-appropriate ownership strategies. 20.4.8 Infrastructure Activities within the Infrastructure programme will consider potential pressures on, and subsequent infrastructure needs of, local communities due to an influx of residents, including resettled households, Project employees and subcontractors, and in-migrants. Within this programme, the Project will encourage the development of sustainable service provision in the areas of electricity, water and sanitation, health, education, and transportation infrastructure (ie transport routes used by Project vehicles) that meets Project needs while also benefitting local communities. Specific needs will be identified through assessments and consultation with government authorities and communities and delivered in partnership with relevant organisations where available and appropriate (eg donors, civil society and NGOs) or through facilitating the establishment of third-party providers. The programme will work closely with the In-Migration programme to address specific pressures to infrastructure and services due to in-migration associated with Project activities. Through the In-Migration Plan (see Chapter 18: In-Migration), and in partnership with local authorities and relevant organisations where available and appropriate (eg donors, civil society and NGOs), the Project commits to: undertaking urban planning and development in larger centres (eg Beyla) to accommodate in-migrants,

in complement with planning for Project employee housing and infrastructure;

supporting the upgrading of health, education, and water and sanitation facilities in settlements affected by Project activities and in-migration; and

implementing an integrated capacity building programme to provide opportunities for local authorities and village communities to plan, prioritise, build and maintain necessary infrastructure.

Specific mitigation measures on water infrastructure are noted in Chapter 19: Land Use and Land-Based Livelihoods. 20.4.9 Residual Impacts Following the implementation of the mitigation measures above, it is expected that the significance assessment of impacts on governance, social infrastructure, and service delivery will change as follows. 20.4.9.1 Systems for Land Tenure and Distribution The impact assessment determined that in the absence of Project mitigation the mine would have a critical negative impact related to systems for land tenure and distribution during construction and operation. The mine was expected to have a minor negative impact during closure (see Section 20.3.2). To address land tenure and distribution challenges, the Project will employ mitigation measures including: support for the Land Commissions (eg administrative and technical assistance); coordinating land tenure and distribution needs with broader regional and urban development planning efforts, including investigating the ways in which statutory and customary land tenure practices might work in complement; support, through community organisations, for land reform measures to enhance security of tenure; and monitoring and developing responses to adverse experiences among local communities related to land compensation, registration, or access. These activities will take place in coordination with the PARC process but with an explicit focus on strengthening the resilience of communities not subject to physical displacement due to Project land occupation or quality of life factors (see Chapter 19: Land Use and Land-Based Livelihoods). It is anticipated that with the implementation of these mitigation measures the Project will bolster land rights of affected people as the tenure system evolves in response to presence of the mine. The measures will also explicitly account for the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly women, and aim to avoid losses to their land use and rights. As a result, it is expected that the residual impact on land tenure and distribution



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will decrease to moderate during construction and operation. The residual impact is expected to be not significant during closure. 20.4.9.2 Infrastructure, Services, and Government Delivery Capacity The impact assessment determined that in the absence of Project mitigation the mine would have a critical negative impact related to infrastructure, services, and government delivery capacity during construction, a major to critical negative impact during operation, and a major negative impact during closure (see Section 20.3.3). As discussed above, mitigation measures for this impact include: implementing a Housing and Infrastructure Strategy that aims to limit pressure on existing infrastructure by Project employees; implementing an In-Migration Plan that works to identify potential solutions to infrastructure needs due to in-migrant demand; fostering collaborative relationships with government and communities to align Project support for infrastructure and services with national, regional, and local priorities; supporting community and government capacity-building programmes to plan, prioritise, build, and maintain infrastructure; and supporting upgrades to health, education, and water and sanitation facilities in settlements affected by Project activities and in-migration. It is anticipated that the implementation of these mitigation measures the Project will limit direct pressure on existing infrastructure and support the capacity of local government to meet increased demands. As a result, it is expected that the residual impact on infrastructure, services, and government delivery capacity will decrease to moderate to major negative during construction, minor to moderate negative during operation, and moderate to major negative during closure. It is important to note that negative rankings may be further reduced by government support and proactive engagement in developing sustainable solutions to infrastructure and service delivery needs in Project affected communities. 20.4.9.3 Administrative Dynamics Between Villages The impact assessment determined that in the absence of Project mitigation the mine would have a moderate negative impact related to administrative dynamics between villages during construction and a minor negative impact during operation. The mine was expected to have no significant impact during closure (see Section 20.3.4). To minimise potential tensions arising from investments in infrastructure, services, and capacity building in some communities and not others, the Project will implement mitigation measures including collaborating with government and local communities on regional and urban development planning efforts to better support alignment of Project plans with their objectives and priorities. It will also implement an In-Migration Plan that directs the flow of in-migrants in accordance with regional planning objectives, and supporting community-based and inter-village youth programmes for sports, arts, and culture that allow communities to share traditions and maintain or strengthen relationships across the local area. It is anticipated that the implementation of these mitigation measures will help limit, or manage with support from communities, shifting dynamics from historical power centres to settlements receiving Project investment due to their proximity to the mine and its associated impacts. As a result, it is expected that the residual impact on administrative dynamics between villages will decrease to minor negative during construction, and not significant during operation and closure. 20.4.9.4 Culture, Social Values, and Traditional Leadership The impact assessment determined that in the absence of Project mitigation the mine would have a moderate positive impact on non-vulnerable populations and a major negative impact on vulnerable populations related to culture, social values, and traditional leadership during construction, operation, and closure (see Section 20.3.5). Project mitigation measures aim to address identified challenges to culture and social values (primarily by an influx of foreign workers and job seekers), traditional leadership, and formal and informal support structures.



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As noted above, development and enforcement of a Code of Conduct for Project personnel is expected to limit anti-social behaviours, and a grievance mechanism will allow communities to raise concerns over cultural insensitivities or conflicts. The Project's considerations of respect for local authorities, including traditional leadership and the Council of Elders, may mitigate potential challenges to their authority and address potential vulnerabilities (eg needs of the elderly). Support for programmes strengthening positive gender relationships within communities, youth leadership and education, and community-based and inter-village sports, arts, and cultural events will help foster a sense of inclusion and community, strengthening social support networks. It is anticipated that with the implementation of these mitigation measures the Project will help balance the extent and pace of change in local communities and promote communities’ resilience to adapting to and benefiting from change, while continuing to support traditions and structures that communities wish to maintain. As a result, it is expected that the residual impact will decrease to moderate negative for vulnerable populations during construction, operation, and closure. Given the focus of social programmes in mitigating potential negative impacts, the Project is expected to continue to have a minor positive impact on non-vulnerable populations, though further optimisation may occur when these mitigation measures are combined with other social programmes identified in this report (eg see Chapter 17: Employment and Economic Development). 20.4.9.5 Traditional Household Power Dynamics The impact assessment determined that in the absence of Project mitigation the mine would have a moderate positive impact or, alternately in some households, a major negative impact related to traditional household power dynamics during construction, operation, and closure. (Whether the impact was positive or negative would be determined by households’ relative receptiveness to change. See Section 20.3.6.) Project mitigation measures aim to address potential negative impacts through gender awareness and inclusivity, including supporting the equitable representation of women in Project-related decision making committees, conducting gender sensitivity training and implement gender sensitive guidelines for Project personnel, and working with partners to strengthen community gender relations through programmes supporting Project and community-identified needs (eg girls’ education, women’s leadership programmes, gender violence prevention programmes). Additional mitigation measures related to impacts on employment and economic development (see Chapter 17: Employment and Economic Development), which include targets for Project employment and training of women and female participants in small business development support, may empower women and optimise positive impacts to their place within households and communities. It is anticipated that with the implementation of these mitigation measures the Project will support positive gender relationships and expand or enable new contributions by women to households and communities. As a result, it is expected that the residual impact will decrease to moderate negative in cases where women experience challenges due to shifts in household dynamics and increase to major positive where women are able to assume greater roles in household decision making. 20.5 Summary of Findings

Potential impacts on social structures and community life by the mine during construction, operation, and closure, and associated mitigation measures, are summarised in Table 20.2.



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Table 20.2 Summary of Potential Impacts on Social Structures and Community Life

Impact Description Phase Impact Assessment

SMF Themes and Programmes

Key Mitigation Measures Residual Impact

Land tenure and distribution

Shifts in land tenure and distribution patterns from customary land use rights and management to a system including statutory ownership could result in land loss among vulnerable populations and increase their economic marginalisation.

Construction Critical negative Urban and Rural Planning

In-Migration

Resettlement and Livelihood Restoration (PARC Framework and Implementation)

Provide support to the Land Commissions (ie administrative and technical assistance).

Coordinate land tenure and distribution needs with broader regional and urban development planning efforts.

Investigate, with government and traditional leadership, ways in which statutory and customary land tenure practices might work in complement.

Support, through community organisations, for land reform measures to enhance security of tenure.

Monitor and develop responses to adverse experience among local communities related to land compensation, registration, or access.

Moderate negative

Operation Critical negative Moderate negative

Closure Minor negative Not Significant



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Infrastructure, services, and government delivery capacity

In-migrants and, to a far lesser extent, Project employees and contractors, will likely increase demands on already limited public infrastructure and services and add further strain to authorities' responsive capacity.

Construction Critical negative Urban and Rural Planning

Employee Housing

In-Migration

Infrastructure

Implementing a Housing and Infrastructure Strategy that aims to limit pressure on existing infrastructure by Project employees.

Implementing an In-Migration Plan that works to identify potential solutions to infrastructure needs due to in-migrant demand.

Foster collaborative relationships with government and communities to align Project support for infrastructure and services with national, regional, and local priorities.

Support community and government capacity-building programmes to plan, prioritise, build, and maintain infrastructure.

Support upgrades to health, education, and water and sanitation facilities in settlements affected by Project activities and in-migration.

Moderate to major negative

Operation Major to critical negative

Minor to moderate negative

Closure Major negative Moderate to major negative

Administrative dynamics between villages

The implementation of Project community and economic development programmes in local study area towns and villages could affect the power balance between villages currently possessing administrative authority and those closest to Project activities and introduce tensions.

Construction Moderate negative Prioritisation

Urban and Rural Planning

In-Migration

Cultural Heritage

Intangible Heritage

Collaborate with government and local communities on regional and urban development planning efforts to better support alignment of Project plans with their objectives and priorities.

Implement an In-Migration Plan that directs the flow of in-migrants in accordance with regional planning objectives.

Support community-based and inter-village youth programmes for sports, arts, and culture.

Minor negative

Operation Minor negative Not Significant

Closure Not Significant Not Significant



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Culture, social values, and traditional leadership

An influx of people from elsewhere in Guinea, West Africa, and beyond to the study area will influence existing values and sense of identity, presenting challenges to cultural and social norms, traditional leadership, and social support structures. Perceptions whether these changes are positive or negative will depend on the degree to which individuals can benefit from the Project.

Construction Moderate positive (non-vulnerable)

Stakeholder Engagement

Prioritisation

Cultural Heritage and Awareness

Intangible Heritage

Develop and enforce of a Code of Conduct for Project personnel and a grievance mechanism to allow communities to raise concerns over cultural insensitivities or conflicts.

Demonstrate respect for traditional authorities, including Councils of Elders, and take into account cultural norms and traditions during consultation.

Support programmes strengthening positive gender relationships and youth leadership and education.

Support community-based and inter-village sports, arts, and cultural events.

Minor positive (non-vulnerable)

Major negative (vulnerable)

Moderate negative (vulnerable)

Operation Moderate positive (non-vulnerable)




Closure Moderate positive (non-vulnerable)




Traditional household power dynamics

Paid employment and education opportunities for women presented by the Project may shift power dynamics in study area households. Whether that shift results in women's empowerment in the domestic sphere or increased domestic tensions may depend on household personalities and receptiveness to change.

Construction Moderate positive Prioritisation

Support the equitable representation of women in Project-related decision making committees.

Conduct gender sensitivity training and implement gender sensitive guidelines for Project personnel.

Work with partners to strengthen community gender relations through programmes supporting Project and community-identified needs (eg girls’ education, women’s leadership programmes, gender violence prevention programmes).

Mitigation measures targeting women related to impacts on employment and economic development (see Chapter 17: Employment and Economic Development).

Major positive

Major negative (rating depends on household circumstances)

Moderate negative (rating depends on household circumstances)

Operation Moderate positive Major positive

Major negative Moderate negative

Closure Moderate positive Major positive

Major negative Moderate negative

20 social structures and community life 20.1 introduction · simandou seia volume i mine chapter...

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