Community-Based Services
Project instability - in all its forms and dynamics - is an investor’s greatest risk. Experience shows that power imbalances between explorers or mine operators and communities are serious project threats - throughout the project lifecycle. We develop bespoke, transformative, whole-of-ecosystem business models grounded in working collaboratively – together – that mitigate risks, minimise operational and political disruptions, creating ‘wins’ for everyone, from exploration through to mine closure.
Evidence-based dialogue for collaborative decision-making
Communities are sceptical of “outsiders”. Delays, disputes and disruptions in mine projects are common. They often arise from information asymmetries, misconceptions, mistrust and/or inconsistent engagement. They can be costly, time-consuming and even kill good projects. Meaningful dialogue before exploration or operations begin builds trust and consensuality - prerequisites for collaboration. Whatever the stage of the project, we generate deep-dive, whole-of-ecosystem evidence and independent insights that companies, communities and governments alike need for lasting agreements that enable everyone to benefit equitably.
Equitable Community Development & Monitoring
We work with host communities to co-design and implement initiatives that respect local traditions and priorities while creating tangible, lasting benefits and foster positive, reliable relationships. We do that first by listening to communities and stakeholders in the broader value chains of each project, then working with companies, local governments, communities and value chain players to co-develop innovative equity-based arrangements and accountable monitoring mechanisms to ensure communities receive what they contract for and their lands, water and air are kept to the quality standards agreed with them.
Conflict Prevention & Resolution
The costs of conflict are many – be they physical, political, cultural or otherwise. Recovering from them can be even more costly. We provide expertise in identifying conflict triggers and risk scenarios, devising pro-active, feasible and accountable approaches to avoid conflict and resolve disputes, navigating sensitive situations related to land use, resource rights, and social impacts.
Gender Inclusion and Impact Assessment
Gender inequality and gender-based violence are commonplace in the mining sector. Unhealthy power dynamics and gender norms negatively impact workplace culture and community interactions, marginalise women and can perpetuate violence. Women's voices, impacts and needs are often overlooked in contracting and policy processes, impact evaluations, benefit sharing agreements and mine closure negotiations. We ensure disaggregated data collection for gendered impact assessments and impact management strategies that respond to the unique challenges women face. By co-creating inclusive dialogue spaces, we generate insights that inform holistic strategies and implementation plans - guiding communities, operators and investors in maximising benefits and reducing harm to women. We reflect the diverse perspectives of gender, colour, age, and ethnicity in all our work and understand how these inter-sectionalities affect communities and the industry.