It is a legislated requirement that proposed mining projects must engage in an extensive stakeholder consultation process including extensive community input.
The relevant legislation regarding the social environment and the proposed Project emanates from the Mining Act 1971 (SA), and the associated determination developed for the Project by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet – Determination for a Mining Proposal for the BIHGP, and was released in the South Australian Government Gazette on the 5th April 2017.
There is no specific legislation or standards relevant to social impacts, however, Terramin’s assessment methods are driven largely by best practice guidelines, which are explained in more detail below.
Who are “Stakeholders”?
Stakeholders are broadly defined as groups or individuals that can be reasonably expected to be affected by the Project’s activities, or whose actions can reasonably be expected to affect the Project’s ability to successfully implement its strategies and achieve its objectives.
Engagement Approach
Terramin aims to build enduring relationships with our neighbours that are built on mutual respect, active partnership and long-term commitment.
Terramin has considered the approaches that could be considered to engage with stakeholders and will draw on a spectrum, which includes opportunities to;
Inform
Provide balanced and objective information to assist understanding of issues, alternatives, opportunities and solutions; to those stakeholders who prefer information only.
Consult
Obtain stakeholder feedback on issues, alternatives, opportunities and solutions, with those stakeholders who want their opinions heard.
Involve
Engagement with stakeholders who may have a higher level of expertise or insight on an issue and want to provide feedback, alternatives, opportunities and solutions.
Collaborate
A higher level of engagement, which establishes partnerships with stakeholders to develop alternatives and the identification of preferred solutions.
Empower
The highest level of community decision making, where decisions of the public are implemented. A key example of this is a ballot. Empowerment is not an outcome of community engagement in this project but is an integral stage of the engagement continuum.
The Terramin approach has also drawn on and been informed by;
Department for Energy and Mining Guidelines
Ministerial determinations
South Australian government framework: “Better Together”
South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME) Code of Practice for Community and Stakeholder Engagement
Good Practice guides and guidance
Terramin recognises that a key element of the South Australian government approach to community engagement is “Better Together”:
we know why we are engaging, and we communicate this clearly
we know who to engage
we know the background and history
we begin early
we are genuine
we are creative, relevant and engaging.