Reconciling standards and the operational needs of mining projects in Africa: Examples from Guinea

Abstract

Impact assessments and action plans are mandatory during the feasibility phases of mining projects, but are too often perceived as simple legal obligations to obtain development permits. However, these steps must be considered as planning tools for the implementation of a mining project over its entire duration. Adapting these performance standards to actual mining contexts and integrating operational requirements into these documents can simultaneously rationalise costs and optimise efficiency while providing genuine tools for project development. This positioning has the virtue of meeting the requirements of both national legislation and international standards as well as the operational requirements of the project, while optimising investments in all the prerequisites of the feasibility phases. Drawing on findings from research on and assessments of the mining sector in Guinea during 2011–2020, we explore the paradoxes that arise from the objectives of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) regulations and the constraints that they generate at each phase of mining project development. Based on our analysis, we suggest ways to use these standards to improve the integration of mining projects in their territories while respecting environmental and social sustainability.