Summary of Environmental and Social Studies – Completed and Planned
Simfer and its consultants have prepared an integrated set of SEIAs for the project and its associated infrastructure which will address the key impacts and mitigation measures. It also addresses reasonably foreseeable cumulative impacts arising from other proposed operations in Guinea.
Simfer has appointed Environmental Resources Management (ERM) as the main consultant for the preparation of the SEIAs covering the mine, railway and port and any other studies that may be required for Early Construction Works. IFC has worked closely with Simfer and its consultants throughout the process up to completion of the documentation.
As part of Simandou III, four “Early Works” SEIAs have been reviewed by IFC and approved by the Government of Guinea. These include Marine Offloading Facility, Logistical Supply Centres and Workforce Camps (both approved December 2011) and, Roads and Quarries (both approved May 2012). An Environment and Social Action Plan (ESAP) relating to the Early Works SEIA’s has now also been agreed between Simfer and IFC.
Since exploration began in 1996, Simfer has commissioned several studies that covered a broad range of environmental and social issues. In August 2006, Simfer appointed the services of SNC Lavalin to undertake the various baseline surveys required for the SEIAs relating to the whole project and, the development of an Early Works SEIA, specifically to facilitate the exploration works at the Mine area. The early works consisted of basic infrastructure works near the mining concession including expansion of the Canga East base camp, construction of an access road to Oueleba and the construction of an airstrip near the town of Beyla. The SEIA for the early works was approved by the Government of Guinea in 2007 and disclosed locally. The early works have been completed and are currently covered by IFC’s ongoing supervision monitoring activities for the project.
The preparation of the social and environmental baselines (SEB) for the mine area, the port, and railway commenced in November 2007.
The SEB for the mine area is complete, and was presented to Government of Guinea in July 2009. It included the project framework, social baseline, physical baseline, biodiversity baseline and an executive summary. The baseline integrated the previous studies in biodiversity done by others such as Conservation International (CI), RBG Kew, Winrock, and Center Forestier NZerekore (CFZ). Since the completion of the SEB for the mine area, Simfer has undertaken targeted surveys of “conservation priority” species with the objectives of increasing the current Area of Occupancy (AOO) for the target species and acquiring a better knowledge of their distribution and habitat requirements.
During 2011 and 2012 SNC-Lavalin completed the SEBs for the port and railway, leveraging off earlier baseline data from initial surveys conducted between November 2007 and August 2008. A preferred Port site has been identified near the Morebaya River in the Maferinya sub-prefecture, south of Conakry and a preferred rail alignment has been defined. A comprehensive set of surveys commenced in June 2011 across a broad study area and includes; (i) socio-economic surveys, cultural heritage, community health; (ii) biodiversity, including a bushmeat study, flora, large mammals, birds, amphibian, reptiles, marine fisheries and mammals; and freshwater fish; (iv) physical environment surveys including, marine sediment characterisation, water quality, dust and noise and; (iii) an ecosystem services survey. The results of this work have been integrated into the Port and Rail SEIAs. In addition to the field-based studies above mentioned, SNCL completed land use and vegetation types mapping for the project PIN corridor based on high resolution satellite imagery.
In 2008, Simfer commissioned a cultural heritage study to develop an inventory of all sites in the mine area and assess their significance to the local communities. A cultural heritage management plan has been prepared to avoid, minimize or mitigate through compensation measures if the sites cannot be avoided. Each site that cannot be avoided will be managed with the community to ensure proper consultation and compensation. A similar exercise will be undertaken for the rest of the project area.
A health baseline survey and a preliminary health impact assessment were completed for the mine in August 2010. The key findings of the survey were the high prevalence of malaria in the mine area, and water borne diseases. Although not an issue currently, the report also highlights that sexually transmitted diseases can be a concern due to potential project-induced in-migration. The survey also included preliminary recommendations on strengthening health systems in the area which are relatively weak, strengthening the existing malaria programmes to focus on raising awareness and education, water and sanitation programmes as well as strengthening the existing awareness and education programme on HIV/AIDs.
Simfer has initiated a series of independent reviews of specific project studies. These include (i) a study on potential local climatic impacts due to mine development conducted by the UK Meteorological Office and Water Management Consultants and reviewed by Dr. David Grimes from the Department of Meteorology, University of Reading; (ii) a freshwater ecology assessment of potential mining impacts on macro invertebrates performed by Atkins Global and reviewed by Dr. Heather Mackay of FHB Consulting Services; (iii) biodiversity analyses of various baselines and risk reduction studies, performed by several groups including: international taxonomic specialists, The Biodiversity Consultancy, SNC Lavalin and the Rio Tinto Biodiversity Partners – namely - Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, BirdLife International, Conservation International, Fauna and Flora International and IUCN; (iv) primate baseline surveys, impact and mitigation studies conducted by Janis Carter and reviewed by Dr John Oates and Dr Tatyana Humle; and (v) hydrology baseline and impact assessment studies prepared by Schlumberger Water Services (formerly Water Management Consultants). All of these studies and reviews contribute to Simfer’s development of management strategies to mitigate and minimize the impacts of the mining activities.
An ecosystem services survey was conducted at Pic de Fon and identified surface and groundwater regulation, local climate regulation and erosion regulation to be influencing ecosystem services of high importance to local communities.
Health, Safety, Environment and Community Management System
General – Corporate Level
Rio Tinto is at the forefront of sustainable mining practices globally and has developed its own approach to sustainable development, community interactions, labour issues, and broad environmental, health and safety management systems which are embedded in a comprehensive document entitled “The Way We Work”. These practices have been adopted by all Rio Tinto businesses and its employees.
Simfer has developed an integrated management system for the Simandou project covering Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSEC). The system supports their “Zero Harm” goal and it is divided into 17 elements, organized in a Plan-Do-Check-Review approach and is fully aligned to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OSHAS 18001 requirements. Each element of the management system outlines a group of procedures and steps to ensure Simfer is managing HSEC risk across its business.
Simfer has managed the exploration risks and impacts of the project to date by following strict application and implementation of their management system. The management system procedures ensure a cautious approach to all issues, such as general workforce and community health & safety, minimal disturbance footprint, water and waste management, erosion control, hunting of bushmeat, cultural and religious sensibilities.
Health, Safety and Environment
In 2011, Simfer offered support and training for local contractors to uplift their H&S knowledge capacities in order to be more competitive and ready for the work to be carried on during construction phase. Simfer is also providing H&S training programs to local contractors to help them achieve a safer workplace.
Simfer has an established programme for on-site emergencies and a dedicated team responsible for worker health and safety, as well as environment protection. Emphasis is also given to the different training programmes for employees to avoid unsafe working conditions. Simfer has developed a detailed health, safety and environment risk register which forms the foundation for the HSE programmes. Programmes have been also developed to address health related issues such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, fitness for work, food safety and nutrition. Simfer has an occupational hygienist on the team to establish a quantitative baseline for occupational health related exposures such as respiratory hazards, noise, vibrations and thermal stress. The baseline information will be used to prioritize actions for ensuring that where health hazards cannot be eliminated they are properly managed.
Environmental monitoring programmes have been in place since 2007 and include; air, dust, noise, water quality and hydrology, meteorology, freshwater ecology, camp effluent discharges, erosion control, and community participatory monitoring. The management plans that have been put in place for specific environmental risks and potential impacts at the mine site include (i) Hazardous Materials; (ii) Waste; (iii) Water; (iv) Erosion and sediment control; (v) Ground disturbance; (vi) Borrow pits; (vii) Topsoil; (viii) Vegetation and Flora; (ix) Weeds; and (x) fauna.
Each management plan details how the Plan-Do-Check-Review model is implemented to ensure effective management of the specific aspect or activity. The main issues are described within each plan. Objectives and performance indicators and the required management strategies are defined in each and a risk based monitoring program is in place for key areas.
As part of the implementation of these plans all individuals (including contractors) are required to:
Be aware of the issues that are relevant to their activities;
Ensure that their activities do not cause deviations from the defined objectives and adhere to procedures;
Report non conformances; and
Implement the management strategies that have been defined (including monitoring, recording and reporting requirements)
Communities
Rio Tinto has a corporate policy on Communities that outlines a broader commitment to build enduring relationships with their neighbours that are characterised by mutual respect, active partnership and long term commitment. To achieve this objective Rio Tinto has also developed a corporate Communities Standard that establishes requirements for its operations on aspects related to organizational capacity to manage community aspects, social risk analysis and community management plans, consultation and engagement with affected communities, grievance mechanisms, human rights, resettlement and compensation.
Specific to Simandou, Simfer has put in place two community frameworks. Firstly there is an overarching Social and Economic Sustainability Framework based on Rio Tinto’s global code of business conduct “The Way We Work”, IFC Performance Standards and national requirements. The framework is a high level commitment to (i) regional and local development, (ii) maximizing value for the communities in the project area, (iii) stakeholder engagement, and (iv) capacity building and human resource development. The second framework is a Community Strategy Framework, which is a detailed management system that comprises various components identifying key areas for intervention by Simfer. These include in-migration, local development programmes, social and economic programmes (at the Prefecture level), stakeholder engagement, livelihood programs, community health, safety, security and human rights. This framework is embedded within the broader HSEC management system and provides guidance to Simfer’s active management of community related issues.
The procedure for the grievance mechanism was established in consultation and collaboration with the affected communities and was rolled out in 2010. The mechanism (which is currently fully functional in the mine area) is based on principles of transparency, open communication and access to information during grievance review. Simfer has commenced rolling out the procedure at the port site and along the railway corridor as part of the consultation process for the SEIA and resettlement/compensation.
As part of the previous investments (Simandou I and II), Simfer developed a land acquisition, resettlement and compensation framework. The framework established principles and procedures consistent with the requirements of Performance Standards that will be adopted by the project for land acquisition, compensation and resettlement. In collaboration with the IFC Simfer has recently finalised a revised version of the framework and has commenced application within the port area of the project, as described below.
Overview of environmental and social issues:
The SEBs define the key environmental and social characteristics of the project area. The SEIAs undertook an in-depth analysis of these characteristics and include social and environmental management plans for both construction and operations phases of the project to appropriately mitigate significant impacts. Monitoring programmes will be reviewed and modified to assess progress and compliance with these management plans. All the studies that were incorporated in the SEIAs and all the additional studies performed post SEIA play a fundamental part in shaping future management and monitoring plans.
Mine
For the mine there are four key issues that will require significant ongoing management and monitoring – biodiversity conservation, dewatering and water contamination; project-induced in-migration, and economic displacement.
Biodiversity: The mine site is located within the Pic de Fon Classified Forest, which is one of 14 Classified Forests within Guinée Forestière (a political region of Guinea identified as the forest region of southeast Guinea). Pic de Fon covers 252 km2 of which approximately 35 % remains as natural habitat according to Conservation International’s assessment in 2002. The Pic de Fon and Oueleba deposits lie within the West Africa Guinean Forest Hotspot (as defined by Conservation International) and the Upper Guinea Forests Endemic Bird Area (as defined by BirdLife International). Pic de Fon is also a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA), which is a site of international importance for the conservation of biodiversity, as recognized by Conservation International and IUCN.
In 2002 Simfer commenced biodiversity surveys on the mine site, using Conservation International to conduct a Rapid Assessment Program (RAP). As indicated earlier, since that time, a significant number of assessments and analyses of species, habitats and ecosystem processes by internal and external specialists have been completed. The biodiversity baseline and ecosystem services review for the mine site are now complete. Based on screening and detailed assessment of 1,200 vascular flora species and approximately 600 fauna species against the selection criteria, the project identified 59 high biodiversity values species. The initial critical habitat evaluation carried out by the project determined that twelve of these species qualified Pic de Fon as critical habitat from a species perspective; these include six IUCN red list endangered (EN) species and seven restricted-range / endemic species (one of these species is both EN and restricted-range); however this assessment is being re-evaluated given new findings from field surveys. Pic de Fon is a critical habitat per PS6. A project-wide critical habitat assessment, including the mine site, will take place in 2013.
Both the submontane grassland and submontane forest are very limited in their global extent. The amphibian Arthroleptis crusculum is confined to submontane grassland habitat in West Africa and is known to occur at seven sites globally, including Pic de Fon. The herb Brachystephanus oreacanthus occurs in submontane forest and is known to occur at only three sites globally. Also associated with the submontane forest is a small population of West African chimpanzees (approximately 50 individuals). Simfer has been surveying this population since 2007 along with a number of other primates in the area.
A management plan for the Pic de Fon Classified Forest has been co-developed by Simfer and the Centre Forestier de N’Zérekore (CFZ). The document is now being jointly implemented by the CFZ and Simfer. Pic de Fon is managed according to the zoning plan set out in the management plan, and conservation zones have been established. Bushmeat hunting is prohibited in the certain areas of the classified forest, and a hunters’ confederation (and ecoguards) are assigned to patrol the area. Bushmeat hunting has reportedly decreased due to these efforts and monitoring of bushmeat sales in local markets is on-going.
The project’s overall approach to biodiversity management as outlined in the SEIA strongly adheres to the ‘mitigation hierarchy’ approach (e.g., avoidance, minimization, restoration, offset), which is central to Rio Tinto’s corporate Biodiversity Strategy. Avoidance measures are the project’s first means of mitigation, and biodiversity considerations have featured prominently in the alternatives analysis of each project component at very early stages of feasibility assessments and infrastructure design. Nonetheless, project-related residual impacts on critical habitat will occur despite best attempts to adhere to the mitigation hierarchy. Areas of submontane grassland and submontane forest in Pic de Fon will be lost due to mining activities, and other habitats, such as lowland forests and forest-savanna transitional habitats, are at risk of significant degradation due to project-related impacts on groundwater and surface water. Along the rail route, areas of important lowland forest and woodland habitat will also be lost. Offset mitigation is therefore the key component in achieving compliance with Rio Tinto Biodiversity Strategy and the critical habitat requirements as defined in Performance Standard 6.
Potential biodiversity offset sites have been identified following an initial screening process of likely candidates sites in the Guinée Forestière region and along the rail route. Surveys and net positive impact analysis are on-going to determine the adequacy of these sites. One of the biggest challenges will be to ensure the effective implementation and long-term management of these areas given the political environment. Simfer is committed to building institutional capacity within Guinea and developing partnerships with conservation organizations and other relevant organizations, including the United States Forestry Service, and with other mining companies, to develop strategic, regional approaches to biodiversity conservation in Guinea.
Simfer, in collaboration with the Guinean Environment Ministry, has formed the Simandou Offsets Working Group. This technical group has representatives from Simfer, the Environment Ministry and the National NGO, Guinée Ecologie and will ensure any project-related offsets are aligned with Government biodiversity plans.
Water: The Simandou mountain range is part of the headwaters of a complex hydrographic system feeding the Milo, Doni, Loffa, Diani drainage systems and providing an important year-round source of freshwater to the surrounding human communities and supporting biodiversity. Mining will require a dewatering program and this has the potential to impact on the local hydrogeological processes which in turn may affect stream flow. Stream flow quality may also be impacted by erosion of exposed surfaces during construction and operation activities.
Numerical groundwater modelling has been undertaken to allow a detailed assessment of the impacts associated with dewatering and a number of other water quality related studies are also in progress. The results of this work have been incorporated into the SEIA and the mine water management system. Additionally, Simfer has established ongoing monitoring programmes for aspects related to climate, hydrology, hydrogeology (groundwater, surface water, recharge) with the intent of supplementing data obtained during the SEBs to further assess the potential impacts of the project in the future.
Project-induced in-migration: Moribadou and Traorela, the two closest villages to the exploration camps (Canga East and Oueleba respectively) and the town of Beyla (the closest urban commune and administrative centre of the Beyla Prefecture) have experienced an influx of migrants to the mine area seeking potential opportunities with the project. Project induced in-migration to these villages and the town of Beyla reached a peak during the exploration period in 2006 – 2008. The village of Moribadou as at November 2011 had a population of approximately 8000 people versus 400 – 500 people prior to the expansion of exploration and construction activities. According to the mine baseline report Beyla’s migrant population comprises 57% percent of the population and approximately half of these migrants originated from neighbouring prefectures of N’Zrékoré and Kerouane.
In an effort to address the phenomenon of in-migration, Simfer commissioned the development of an in-migration plan for the Beyla Prefecture and surrounding villages which was completed in 2008. The plan provided an analysis of the in-migration phenomenon, identified issues and areas of intervention to minimize negative impacts, facilitated the participation of the Guinean authorities and provided a management tool to promote the controlled development of the host communities. To this end, a spatial plan for Moribadou was developed using participatory and consultative process that involved local communities and authorities. In addition, Simfer implemented a number of other measures - establishing a project employment information centre in the town of Beyla, capacity building programmes in the villages to mitigate the negative social impacts of influx and programmes to enhance project opportunities. Currently, the Simfer office at Beyla serves as an intermediary and information source for those seeking employment, and offers support services to job seekers (writing CV’s, job search techniques etc.). The office also consults with project affected communities and local authorities and produces an employment report for relevant stakeholders.
As part of its strategy to address in-migration, Simfer organized a series of national regional roundtables in December 2007 to raise awareness about the phenomenon of in-migration and associated impacts and complexities. The roundtables were attended by national and regional government representatives, village leaders, non-governmental organizations and community members. Village level in-migration awareness raising sessions have continued to be facilitated by local authorities from Beyla in the affected villages throughout 2010-2012 with support from the Project. It is anticipated that both Beyla and Moribadou will continue to attract job seekers and entrepreneurs seeking business with the project.
Resettlement: A resettlement and compensation framework was prepared in 2008 for the Mine exploration early works.
The project acquired land during the early works in 2007 for construction of the airport strip in Beyla and access road to Oueleba. The total number of individuals that were economically displaced was 16 including 3 plots of communal land. Simfer compensated all individuals and community members in accordance with the Land Acquisition, Resettlement and Compensation Framework developed as part of IFC’s previous investments. Subsequent to the completion of the compensation, Simfer undertook an evaluation to assess the effectiveness of the compensation process adopted and outcomes vis-a-vis livelihood restoration and use of proceeds. To date, there are no complaints or grievances regarding the compensation process or packages.
According to the SEIA, project impacts (including noise, dust, public safety, emissions etc.) will entail both economic and physical displacement. The magnitude of displacement is anticipated to be less than that associated with the construction of the port and rail. The SEIA provides an assessment of impacts on the affected communities and the potential for displacement. The final design for the mine aims at minimising the extent of displacement. The project will undertake detailed surveys and a PARC report specific to the mine will be prepared to guide the resettlement process.
RAIL
The Rail corridor intersects, or is in close proximity to a number of high biodiversity value areas including the Haut-Niger National Park, the Niger Mafou RAMSAR Site, several Classified Forests (Soya, Pinselli and Kounounkan) and the proposed trans-boundary (spanning Guinea and Sierra Leone) biodiversity conservation area, a number of which will likely qualify as critical habitat per PS6.
Of particular significance is Haut Niger National Park, which is also a Biosphere Reserve and the transboundary park. The core protected zones of Haut Niger National Park, (Kouya and Mafou) are also designated as KBAs, and the Mafou core zone is also an Important Bird Area, as recognized by BirdLife International, and a Classified Forest. The Haut Niger National Park is categorized as an “exceptionally important priority area” for regional-scale chimpanzee conservation in West Africa, with the Kouya Classified Forest core area considered likely to support a large proportion of the estimated chimpanzee population of 600 individuals. The railway does not intersect the park itself but does intersect the park’s southern buffer zone.
A trans-boundary park, straddling the Guinea-Sierra Leone border, has been proposed by Sustainable and Thriving Environments for West African Regional Development (STEWARD), a US-funded programme (US Forest Service and USAID) based in Sierra Leone implementing forest co-management to conserve biodiversity. The proposed STEWARD trans-boundary park encompasses the Outamba-Kilimi National Park in Sierra Leone, the Guinea-Sierra Leone border priority site for populations of West African chimpanzee, and the Pinselli and Soyah Classified Forests. It is categorized as a “very important priority area” for regional-scale chimpanzee conservation in West Africa and is further recognized as a priority area for chimpanzee conservation by the TABALA project which was a Jane Goodall Institute programme in the area. The Project railway bisects the proposed trans-boundary park on the Guinea side.
Biodiversity studies have been conducted from 2008 to mid-2012 to characterise the status of large mammals species along the rail corridor and to quantify the various current pressures on their populations. Based on the results from this baseline work, a campaign of targeted large mammals and bushmeat surveys was performed in late 2012 in order to complement the baseline information. This latest information will be available in early 2013.
Three rail sections of particular interest for large mammal conservation were identified along the railway (described from east to west): the Plateau section (the Niger River region containing the Haut Niger National Park and Niger-Mafou Ramsar site); the Fouta Djallon / Mamou section (including the proposed STEWARD transboundary park); and the Kounounkan section (including Kounounkan Classified Forest and the areas of relatively intact forest and woodland habitat immediately adjacent to it). A total of 54 mammal species were recorded within the rail corridor by means of camera traps, sightings and signs. A total of 22 species were of conservation concern. The regions of Kounounkan and Fouta Djallon (especially in the area proposed as a STEWARD Trans-boundary National Park were the two most important regions with the highest occurrence of conservation priority species. Across all the sections of interest, the chimpanzee (IUCN Endangered species) is in significant abundance. Using aerial surveys, more than 2,750 chimpanzee’s nests were observed along the rail study area.
Bushmeat hunting and commercial surveys implemented in the areas of Forecariah/Kounounkan, Mamou and Faranah showed different, but high levels of bushmeat consumption and off takes. There is an increasing expansion of hunting territories due to increasing population pressures leading to substantial revenues associated with bushmeat trading for rural and urban populations. Hunters travel long distances in search of game, the hunting pressure is enormous and hunters commented that wildlife resources are declining rapidly. On urban markets, surveys showed bushmeat networks starting from a number of the protected areas and high biodiversity value areas mentioned above as well as from Sierra Leone.
Resettlement: High level analysis undertaken during the SEIA indicates that there are structures located within the railway corridor that will need to be physically relocated. The project is conducting detailed surveys to determine the total number of households and the extent of economic displacement. The area is used for sustenance agriculture and livestock rearing. Transhumant pastoralists also use migration corridors that transect the area. The project will prepare a resettlement and compensation plan specific to the rail corridor consistent with the requirements of the PARC Framework and IFC Performance Standards.
PORT
The Port will be located close to the Morebaya River mouth in the sous-prefecture of Maferinya (Forecariah prefecture) south of Conakry. The area is characterized by the abundance of rice fields and some remnant mangrove vegetation that is progressively being turned into agricultural land. Artisanal fishing takes place in the Morebaya River, offshore and in the mangrove creeks. Fishing is an important activity in terms of the income it provides from the sale of fresh fish, and salting or smoking. The women have a key role in the fishing economy (they undertake the salting and smoking and lend money to fishermen) which is unique in Guinea. Fishing is also essential for the subsistence of the local population.
The main issues that will need careful management and monitoring at the Port are dredging and associated potential impacts on artisanal fishing activities, project-induced immigration, displacement of agricultural land, impacts on water resources and biodiversity.
Dredging: In order to provide access to large ore carrier and other vessels to the Port, a shipping channel from the river to approximately 30 km offshore will be dredged to a depth in the order of 20 m below chart datum. A turning basin and berths will be dredged within the river. Dredged material will be disposed at offshore disposal sites which will be located approximately 20 km off the coast in water depths of around 20m. Dredging is likely to affect the fish resource due to impacts on the marine environment from the sediment plume and direct removal of seabed habitat. These impacts will be addressed through the implementation of a Dredging Management Plan and a related environmental monitoring programme. Noise and light from dredgers may also affect fish behaviour. To avoid safety issues with local fishermen, a shipping exclusion zone will be implemented which will affect fishermen’s access to their usual fishing grounds. Dredging may also have longer term impacts including erosion, salinity increases in the river and possibly of the ground water. Due to the uncertainty associated with these potential impacts these will be closely monitored by the project.
Impacts on fishing and agricultural livelihoods: The development of the Port will not lead to high numbers of physically displaced households but it will cause the loss of almost 800 ha of agricultural land (of which 500 are old fallow). Compensation and livelihood restoration for the loss of these fields is being undertaken in the context of the PARC framework described above.
The project has begun initial baseline surveys to understand the importance of fishing in the area and how the fishing resource may be affected by the project. Further baseline surveys are required to adequately assess the impacts of economic displacement of the fisher communities. The project intends to engage international experts to contribute to the improvement of current fishing livelihoods and the development of alternative options in response to any impacts on the artisanal fishing activities.
In-migration: The Port development has the potential to attract significant levels of in-migrants in search of employment and business opportunities. The proximity of Conakry and the availability of a relatively good road network are two of the factors that may influence the numbers of in-migrants to the area. In-migration will peak during construction but it is likely to continue during operations. The main towns near the Port site, Maferinyah and Forecariah are likely to experience the highest levels of project related in-migration due to their existing infrastructure. In particular Maferinyah is already the fastest growing town in the Port area and has surpassed Forecariah, the prefectural capital, in terms of numbers of residents. Maferinya has a history of past in-migration and the population growth of Maferinyah to date has not been related to the project. However this past history of migration is an added factor for predicting high levels of in-migration with the development of the project. The villages located along or near the N4 national road are also at risk of attracting a high influx of new residents and in-migration has already started in a few small villages along the access road from Maferinya to Senguelen (near the PMOF).
The in-migration plan for the Port area is currently being developed and it draws on the experiences and the activities that have been undertaken around the Mine area. The in-migration monitoring baseline study that is currently underway will provide additional information on the dynamics of in-migration in the area as work starts at the PMOF. In line with the work that has been undertaken at the mine, well publicized employment policies that target existing residents as well as a policy of ‘no hiring at the gate’ are being developed for the Port. In addition, the in-migration plan will address specific impacts of the influx such as pressure on local infrastructure, contributing to appropriate land zoning and health and community cohesion issues.
Water: The surveys undertaken as part of the SEB for the Port showed that water supply in parts of the Port area, especially near the coast, can be problematic as water sources are often seasonal and high in salt content. The project has a commitment to avoid affecting the communities’ water supply. Water for the Port construction and operation is expected to come from a local reservoir that is privately owned and currently not in use. This will be subject to a hydrological study that is currently being undertaken for the project. The potential impacts of dredging on the salinity levels of the community water sources will be regularly monitored by the project and if necessary, alternative water sources will be provided for local residents.
Biodiversity: Although the Port area is highly modified by human activities, there are some habitats of interest present at the Port, such as mangroves, even though they are degraded and at risk from agriculture. Mangrove habitat within the Port site will be maintained wherever possible and the health of mangroves around the site will be regularly monitored. Although baseline surveys have showed that the beaches around the Port site are not used by turtles for nesting in large numbers, it is known that various turtle species (e.g. hawksbills) are present in the neighbouring waters. Other marine fauna such as manatees and dolphins are present in the waters surrounding the Port site, albeit not in great numbers. Project vessels will employ independent spotters and fauna avoidance devices to minimize impacts on marine mammals. Botanical surveys also uncovered an area of potential critical habitat, a large rock (Inselberg), that will be used initially for construction of the marine offloading facility and ultimately the site of the Port Stockyard. Several conservation priority species have been identified on the Inselberg, but the western side in particular hosts a unique vegetation type (Inselberg Forest) with species preliminarily assessed as Critically Endangered. The project has been working with international experts to identify mitigation, propagation, translocation and offset measures as this habitat has been found at several other locations in Guinea.
Resettlement: The port and its associated infrastructure will occupy a land area of approximately 900 ha. Avoidance criteria have been applied to minimise the project footprint and the extent of physical and economic displacement.
Resettlement and Compensation Action Plans (PARCs) have been prepared for the pre-Construction Works - Marine Offloading Facility (MOF) and Borrow Pit 33.
Resettlement related activities have been completed for PMOF and Borrow Pit 33. For the MOF, the project has resettled 10 households to temporary housing as outlined in the Early Works protocol during Q1 2013. Once permanent resettlement lands have been allocated and housing constructed, the affected households will be relocated to the permanent resettlement houses.
Borrow Pit 33 that is required for the construction of the PMOF entailed economic displacement of 73 households and no residential structures or homesteads are impacted.
The port and its associated infrastructure will also entail physical and economic displacement. The SEIA provides a description of the different types of livelihoods and the potential impacts. Detailed surveys will be undertaken by the project and a PARC report prepared that will govern the resettlement and compensation process.
