Challenge the practice is addressing: The practice aims to support companies in approaching communities when starting a new project in a new area by providing a checklist to consider all relevant aspects when organizing a first meeting between the company and other stakeholders and the community.
Concrete practice to achieve the expected goal: To establish a good relationship with the local community an open house inviting all community members and introducing key personnel can give the community the opportunity to create a relationship with the company. The emphasis lies on engagement and transparent communication. Seeking information from previous experiences with mining projects, understanding their values and traditions and culture and discussing potentials benefits for the communities.
Expected impact/goal of the practice: The aim of this practice is to create a transparent, communicative and supporting relationship between companys seeking for new mining projects and local communities and other stakeholders from the beginning. A checklist to prepare for a first meeting should give guidance to achieve this goal.
Who is the target user group of the practice/intervention or implementing the practice/intervention? The practice is mainly for companies to provide guidance to approach communities to encourage communication instead of communicating from a distance.