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Andrew Burwood, Sean Cullen, Gillian Davidson, Pierre Pelletier Rescan Environmental Services

Enhancing conservation through integrated social and environmental assessment: a case study from a mining project in Argentina. Andrew Burwood, Sean Cullen, Gillian Davidson, Pierre Pelletier Rescan Environmental Services IAIA Conference, Seoul, 5 June 2007. Summary. What we tried to do?

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Andrew Burwood, Sean Cullen, Gillian Davidson, Pierre Pelletier Rescan Environmental Services

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  1. Enhancing conservation through integrated social and environmental assessment: a case study from a mining project in Argentina Andrew Burwood, Sean Cullen, Gillian Davidson, Pierre Pelletier Rescan Environmental Services IAIA Conference, Seoul, 5 June 2007

  2. Summary What we tried to do? • Implementation of new IFC Performance Standards through an ‘integrated’ approach How we did it? • ‘Integration’ of natural environment and human environment What was the outcome? • Inclusion of the ‘social’ enhanced: • biophysical value and analysis • effects assessment as a whole • corporate responsibility of proponent

  3. Background • Base metal mine in NW Argentina • 24 year mine life; 1,000 direct jobs • 4 Components span 3 provinces: • Mine Site (Catamarca) • Process Plant (Catamarca) • Utility Corridor and Filter Plant (Tucuman) • Port Facility (Santa Fe) • National and new IFC requirements • ‘Integrated’ SEA just completed in English and Spanish

  4. New and revised IFC performance standards in April 2006 Equator Principles adopted in 2006 EPFIs represent ~80% of global capital Social and Environmental Assessment and Management Systems Labour and Working Conditions Pollution Prevention and Abatement Community Health, Safety and Security Land Acquisition and Involuntary Resettlement Biodiversity and Sustainable Natural Resource Management Indigenous Peoples Cultural Heritage IFC and Equator Principles

  5. What were differences? • New and Expanded Standards • More comprehensive and integrated assessment and management systems • Community health; labour rights, pollution abatement • New Outcomes-Based Approach • Business centered and management systems driven • Actions tailored to specific risks • Adaptable means to strong outcomes - risks and opportunities • Increased Community Engagement • Early and informed community participation • Demonstrate broad community support • Establish grievance mechanism • Expanded Social Review • Encompass all vulnerable groups, not just involuntary resettlement and indigenous groups • Greater incorporation of human rights (especially housing, tenure and security) • More Comprehensive Approach to Biodiversity • Beyond preservation to protection and conservation • Recognition of habitat destruction and invasive alien species • Sustainable management of all renewable natural resources

  6. PreviousProjects Environmental lead/focus Disciplinary teams Limited scoping- SIA Stakeholder input in SIA Discipline based assessment Disciplinary management Agua Rica Project Integration of the ‘social’ Multi-disciplinary teams Early issues scoping Stakeholder input in SEA Issues based assessment Integrated management What did we do?

  7. Principle Issues • Air Emissions • Alteration of Surface Water Quality • Alteration of Surface Water Quantity • Alteration of Groundwater Quality • Alteration Groundwater Quantity • Alteration of Land Cover • Sensory Distribution • Environmental Effects on the Project • Accidents and Malfunctions • Employment and Business Opportunities

  8. Example: Water Quality and Quantity Scenario • Mines need water • Potential effects to water quantity and quality • Mine site- Andalgala • Process plant- Campo del Arenal • Low value of biodiversity supported by water • Resistance and public opposition: drinking water and irrigation

  9. Example: Water Quality and Quantity What happened? • Integration, issues scoping and consultation kept water issues on agenda • Provided more persuasive tool • Resulted in improved water management plans and standards • Indirectly resulted in improved conservation and biodiversity management • Engagement of water users, increased disclosure and education • Management of social risk • Resulted in better practice

  10. Benefits and Outcomes of Integration • More transparent and focused assessment driven by issues scoping exercise and stakeholder consultation • Local concerns embedded and considered • Focused on the “So What?” questions • Holistic analysis and mitigation • Inclusion of the contextual and qualitative • Enhancement of the bio-physical • Highlighted social license • More engaged and responsible proponent • Resulted in better practice

  11. Thank you! Questions? Comments?

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