Sustainable Development
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12: Social and Community Engagement
Intent
The social impact of our activities, community concerns, needs and the social risks to our operations are identified and addressed through the effective implementation of community relations strategies which uphold and promote human rights and respect cultural considerations and heritage.
Social involvement plans aim to enhance the socio-economic capacity and well-being of the communities associated with the Group's activities, avoiding dependency and contributing to the development of sustainable livelihoods. Plans are established through engagement with communities and relevant organisations and are coordinated between the different levels of the organisation and with external governmental or development organisations.
Requirements and Expectations
12.1
Community concerns and needs, as well the risks and impacts of site and project operations and activities on local communities, are identified and evaluated at each stage of the project life cycle or when any major modification to Xstrata's activities and operations occur or when significant changes occur in the communities. Where appropriate, this includes:
- The systematic identification of external stakeholders
- Human rights baseline studies and risk assessments that include security providers and activities
- Social baseline studies and risk assessments.
12.2
We engage with all communities within the operation's area of influence and prioritise the most affected communities and vulnerable groups.
12.3
Respect for the rights of communities is demonstrated through an understanding of:
- Traditional rights and cultural heritage, including those of indigenous peoples
- Sensitivities involved in addressing issues of social impact, including avoiding the resettlement of people wherever possible
- Local laws and customs
- Handling matters in a spirit of trust
- Upholding human rights, in particular with regard to the use of security providers and personnel in high-risk areas.
12.4
Identified community concerns, needs, opportunities, and the risks and impacts of site and project operations and activities are prioritised – in close consultation with the communities concerned – and addressed via community strategies and social involvement plans as an integral part of our risk management and business planning processes. Where appropriate, this includes:
- Community mapping
- Institutional analysis – the evaluation of the variety, strength and linkages of institutions within and around the relevant community
- Problem census – the identification of community concerns through direct consultation with a broad range of community groups
- Opportunity ranking
- Identification of goals and assumptions
- Identification of key performance indicators and measures of success.
12.5
Our community strategies and social involvement plans focus on enhancing the socioeconomic capacity, prosperity and sustainable development of the communities in which we operate in a manner that avoids dependency on the Xstrata site/operation after closure. Where appropriate, this includes:
- Development and use of appropriate skills and technologies
- Support for community educational initiatives and health programmes
- Providing employment opportunities for local people
- Sourcing and purchasing from local companies
- Support for community projects
- Promoting local enterprise development.
