When planning a mining operation, it’s important to consider that your company and its operations may have an impact on many other people and organisations. From the community, to the workers, NGO’s and activist groups, your operation may deal with more than one group of stakeholders at any given time.
Bringing each of these stakeholders into the process is essential for a successful operation, which is why we have identified six tips for solid stakeholder engagement in your mining operation.
Start early
The earlier you start engaging with each of your stakeholders the better. In order for your mining operation to be successful you will need the buy-in of the surrounding community and other stakeholders lest your operation be riddled with disruptions. Reach out to each of your stakeholders to find out how your operation will impact them and what you can do to mitigate any negative outcomes or add value.
xMMP (exploration, Mining & Minerals Processing) is a mining “ERP” solution that covers the Total Life of Mine (‘LOM’). Managing mineral rights (tenements) claims, exploration, drilling, EPCM for the development phase, actual mining, stockpiles, plant, shipping and dispatching all the way to mine rehabilitation.
Disclose meaningful and accurate information
Engaging with your stakeholders early on and regularly will mean nothing if you are not disclosing meaningful, accurate information. Don’t try to pull the wool over anyone’s eyes because this will catch up with your operation in the long run. Behaving dishonestly and not addressing the serious social impacts and issues that come with opening a new mine could be bad for your brand.
Communicate in culturally appropriate ways
Part of your research into the community and your stakeholders should be finding out which means of communication will be most effective. It is absolutely essential that you go out of your way to use culturally appropriate means to reach your audience to avoid any misunderstandings and build a trusting relationship with the community and other stakeholders. For example, issuing written communications may not be effective in a rural community where half the population cannot read?
Don’t miss part 2 of our post where we look at three more tips for solid stakeholder engagement in your mining operation.
xMMP
Within the mining sector, Resolve Immix offers an exploration, Mining and Minerals Processing (xMMP) ERP software solution that covers the total life-of-mine including a module that deals specifically with stakeholder engagement. Contact us for more information today.