About This Project
The Communities Study examines how communities and Indigenous rights-holders engage with mining companies on water management and technology decisions, and which practices lead to meaningful participation and outcomes that last. It sits in the social considerations and stakeholder engagement theme of the Global Water Initiative’s Water Wheel.
Why it exists
Between 2000 and 2017, water-related issues were implicated in 58 percent of mining cases lodged with the IFC’s independent complaints mechanism.
Status & next steps
The phase one report is published. A second phase could bring community insight into mine planning and technology selection, depending on support.
Who is involved
Led by independent researchers Dr Jocelyn Fraser and Dr Nadja Kunz, supported by Agnico Eagle and Weir.
What It Found
Water matters to every community, culturally and spiritually as well as practically. Engagement should start early in the project life cycle, rest on an understanding of local history and context, and carry community concerns into both design decisions and ongoing management. Good practice includes participatory water monitoring, trusted third parties, expert panels, watershed councils and plain-language communication in local languages.
Who It Is For
Community relations and water teams at mining companies, the technical professionals choosing water and tailings options, and the communities and rights-holders they work with.