There is a need for deeper, more inclusive engagement to truly support those most at risk in mining communities, according to SRK Consulting South Africa (SA).
Good international industry practice and lender standards increasingly call for improved approaches to engaging vulnerable groups within communities affected by large mining and infrastructure projects. In practice, however, the common approach is to merely identify vulnerable groups at a general level, which is inadequate as vulnerability is unique and necessitates individual and household-level analyses, said SRK Consulting SA principal consultant Vassie Maharaj.
“Vulnerable groups are more likely to be negatively affected by project-induced impacts, which could exacerbate existing weaknesses,” said Maharaj. “Without a sound understanding of vulnerabilities, it may not always be possible to offset new challenges by, for example, like-for-like compensation and livelihood restoration in instances of involuntary resettlement where livelihoods are affected.”
She described vulnerable groups as women, children, the elderly, people living with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and the unemployed. The term would also apply to communities without access to services like education, health, and digital connectivity, as well as those who are illiterate or have no secure land tenure. Artisanal and small-scale miners are also now considered vulnerable, added Maharaj.
Lethabo Sekele, a social consultant at SRK Consulting SA, re-emphasised the importance of a sustained focus on engaging and communicating with vulnerable groups as it allows for continuous assessment of their challenges and experiences.
“In this way, the specific needs of these groups are understood by project proponents – which, in turn, aids the development of bespoke strategies to support the vulnerable,” she said.
SRK Consulting SA senior social scientist Lynette Herbst explained that vulnerability experienced by different groups varied between regions, the type of project, and the stage in the project lifecycle.
“As such, identifying and engaging vulnerable groups must consider the nuances and context of the project and environment,” she said.
Sekele added that women in mining communities, for example, need targeted approaches that create alternative economic development opportunities as limited employment opportunities makes them especially vulnerable.
“Similarly, war veterans, especially the elderly and those living with disabilities, in former conflict areas may also require targeted interventions,” Herbst said.
Individual consultations and focus groups
Sekele said that a participatory approach, involving individual consultations and focus groups, is effective in identifying individual or household-level vulnerabilities.
“As opposed to large community meetings, these engagements allow us to identify and account for new vulnerabilities as they emerge,” said Sekele. “When integrated into engagement strategies at the onset of a project, more intensive interaction with these groups should not affect project timelines.”
Herbst stressed, however, that these engagements require unique skills to establish trust and solicit meaningful dialogue. Individuals with mobility challenges, literacy barriers, or mental disabilities also need to be appropriately supported to ensure their participation. Also required is an adaptive approach that allows for continuous revision of the format and channels through which messages are conveyed.
Ensuring effective engagement platforms for communities
“We also often find that there are no effective engagement platforms for communities or vulnerable groups,” noted Sekele. “This could result in community discontent and possible protests, as unresolved issues and unmanaged expectations become untenable.”
Inadequate engagement also impacts other stakeholders, such as local authorities that may be subjected to service delivery protests.
Maharaj said a further risk is that vulnerable individuals and households in under-served host communities default to the company or mine when they do not know who to approach for services. Therefore, SRK also facilitates collaboration between mining companies and government structures, for example.
“Once we identify vulnerable individuals and households, as well as the extent of their vulnerabilities, we facilitate access to municipal services, including indigent support,” said Sekele.
Herbst added that vulnerable groups can be further disadvantaged by a lack of access to information, resources and communication platforms.
“Literacy is another barrier to meaningful engagement with vulnerable groups,” she said. “Making information accessible through local languages and visuals is a great starting point to build capacity.”
Developing support strategies requires a continuous and proactive effort towards meaningful engagement in decisions that affect their lives.
Herbst concluded that targeted engagement of vulnerable groups ensures that their interests, needs and rights are considered. This leads to more inclusive decision-making, which in turn, promotes social justice, prevents conflict, builds trust, and creates sustainable outcomes that benefit the entire community.
