Community Development Policy

Adastra Minerals Inc. and its controlled affiliates (the “Company” or “Adastra”) recognises that it has responsibilities towards the local communities in which its projects are based. The Company is committed to the integration of community consultation, liaison and development at all levels of project development and operation, and seeks the best possible participatory relationships with all parties.

The implementation of the Community Development Policy will be a key requirement at all phases of project development. Adastra will also seek to require its consultants, contractors, suppliers and subsidiaries to adopt the principles of this Community Development Policy as a minimum standard.

The Company is committed to facilitating sustainable contributions to the physical and economic development of communities close to its project sites and ultimately to limit the dependence of these communities on mining projects.

Adastra is cognisant of the principles of sustainable development, which is taken to mean “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

Adastra will assist in the improvement of conditions and infrastructure in communities close to its project sites, while recognising that it cannot undertake major infrastructure development projects. The Company will, in due course, seek to provide a specific amount of financial support to a Not-For-Profit Foundation at each of its project sites, depending on the financial success of the operations. It is intended that each Not-For-Profit Foundation will be established and managed with the purpose of financing sustainable community development initiatives, within carefully prescribed guidelines.

Policy Implementation

Technically sound and economically feasible approaches to community development will be adopted throughout the exploration, development and operational phases of its projects, as well as on closure.

Specific Goals

The Company is committed to the following:

  • The Company will adhere to all health and community laws, regulations and guidelines that are applicable to its project sites. Where no such national framework exists,the Company will seek to apply the World Bank Group policies, guidelines and procedures as at 28th April 2004;

  • The Company will respect diversity and cultural differences;

  • The Company will work with government, stakeholders and local communities at its project sites to maintain open and constructive communication and to address priorities and concerns, where possible through Partnership agreements;

  • The Company intends to undertake a series of projects to benefit the local community at each project site, to be identified, evaluated and approved, based on local needs identified in consultation with communities, their representatives and leaders, government and NGOs as appropriate. Such programmes must be shown to be efficient, equitable and transparent, and may include such projects as teacher training, equipment for schools, sports equipment and community transport schemes;

  • Where appropriate, NGO partners may be invited to assist in implementing aspects of the Community Development Policy and Community Development Plan at each project site, which will be a product of the Environmental and Social Assessment process.

  • Adastra will undertake to provide a scholarship scheme for local students, beginning with the year in which production commences at each of its project sites;

  • The Company will undertake to employ skilled Community Nursing personnel at its project sites to provide a Health Advisory Programme that will include inter alia infant vaccinations and education programmes on basic hygiene, nutrition, family planning, malaria and HIV/AIDS;

  • The Company will seek to establish and provide initial seed capital to a Not-For-Profit foundation to enable financing of Sustainable community development issues in specified communities close to its project sites;

  • The Company will manage each Not-For-Profit foundation established by it only until such time as the relevant stakeholder group can manage it effectively themselves;

  • The Company will seek to engage in open dialogue with stakeholder groups and communities at each project site to assist in defining, prioritising, implementing and maintaining community development projects, which may include advice and support for small businesses, and social and legal advice surgeries;

  • The Company will seek to ensure that community development is managed by appropriately qualified local staff who are aware of local issues;

  • The Company intends that the results of the community development initiatives at each project site will be monitored by a Public Liaison Committee made up of individuals and representatives of the local population, Adastra and NGO representatives and appropriate local Government officials in terms of success, sustainability and compliance with this Community Development Policy;

  • The Company will work with employees, regulatory agencies and the local communities to promote awareness of and ensure preparedness for possible emergencies related to each of the Company’s project sites;

  • Adastra will work effectively with stakeholders such as employees, government, and local communities to maintain open and constructive communication at each of its project sites;

  • The issue of artisanal miners within the concessions of Adastra projects sites will be addressed as appropriate and possible measures may include the implementation of community programs, SME development and job opportunities, following consultation with the affected parties;

  • This Policy will be reviewed on a periodic basis and updated as necessary.

Approved by the Board of Directors on 28th April, 2004


Chairman Of the Board:



 
     
  Back to top