The Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) conducted for all new projects help in early identification of potentially affected communities in the project development stage. Our community relations team connects with identified communities to assess and manage environmental and social risks, and arrive at mutually acceptable solutions. During the operational phase, these teams undertake ongoing consultation with interested and affected parties to manage changes in the risk profile of our operations and sustain our positive relationship with communities.

Our Cultural Heritage Land Acquisition and Resettlement Standards include consideration of Indigenous People, and have been developed to reflect relevant ICMM guidance (including ICMM Guidance Document: 'Indigenous Peoples and Mining') and IFC Performance Standards. We established a Guidance Note addressing Indigenous People/Vulnerable Tribal Groups to help operations understand these standards.

The core aim of the standard is to enable our teams to engage, negotiate, and partner with IPs/VTGs to avert negative impacts and risks for all stakeholders while establishing new projects. The standard helps to identify the unique characteristics and expectations of each group in the neighbourhood resulting in the creation of economic and social development opportunities.

We rolled out the IPs/VTGs standard along with an international consultancy to implement train-the-trainer training for key staff members.