When mining houses overlook the interests of host communities during the planning phase of a greenfield mining project, sooner or later, they may encounter resistance to their investment or unrealistic demands. African Mining Brief Online asks Adel Malebana, senior social scientist at SRK Consulting, about how mining companies can best engage communities at project inception.
Xolobeni community members celebrated at the North Gauteng High Court after Judge Annali Basson ruled that the Department of Mineral Resources must obtain consent from mining communities before granting a mining right to a company. Adel said it is vital to acknowledge the community's cultural and leadership dynamics, beyond just the existing leadership structures, therefore there is an emphasis on spending time to understand and accommodate the underlying community cultural dynamics and engagement protocols.
SRK Contributor:
Adel Malebana
