Community Relations

Community Engagement

BMSC is particularly committed to building relations with the five nearby villages located within 30 kilometers of the Project. Since the beginning of 2004, the goal has been to ensure adequate information is provided to affected people in a timely manner, particularly among local communities near the Bisha Mine.

Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) have been appointed in all 5 villages with an Information Update Committee (IUC) to provide monthly updates on the project. This forum fosters open communication between the stakeholders and enables issues to be addressed and resolved proactively.

Community Assistance Plan

As a part of Bisha's Social and Environmental Assessment, direct consultation and investigations have highlighted a range of socio-economic conditions that demonstrate the current needs of local communities. Much of the public and social infrastructure, such as schools and health clinics, consist of basic buildings and equipment. Clean water supply and sanitation facilities are lacking in many areas.

BMSC developed a Community Assistance Plan (CAP), a program designed to address the development opportunities identified by the community while benefitting the development and operation of the Project. The CAP will contribute beyond direct mining activities, and provide the basis for enhancement of social and economic well-being amongst the host communities in which BMSC operates.

The Community Assistance Plan will provide materials and technical expertise for a number of infrastructure projects, including:

  • Enhanced local transportation routes
  • Improved sanitation facilities
  • Increased supply of safe drinking water
  • Improved wells, piping, and diversion channels

Cultural Heritage Preservation

A comprehensive archaeological field program was conducted for the Bisha project area and surrounds by experts from the National Museum of Eritrea.Three separate filed surveys were conducted in local and regional study areas during 2004, 2005 and 2006 and ongoing surveys are conducted under the Project's Chance Finds procedure.

BMSC has been working closely with the community of Mogoraib, local authorities and the National Museum to protect the cultural heritage of the area and recover artefacts and other materials. A range of artefacts have already been collected as part of clearance activities and the local community has expressed a desire to establish a local museum to house the locally significant artefacts. BMSC has committed to participate in the funding of the local museum to be located in Mogoraib.

Infrastructure

The construction of roads and other infrastructure which results from the development of the project will have a positive effect on the local and regional area. Specific infrastructure improvements and upgrades will better the existing road between the Bisha Mine site and the town of Agordat.

In addition, specific works are being undertaken to community water supply systems (e.g. wells, piping, diversion channels) through the project's Community Assistance Plan.

Population & Migration Flux

During construction and operation, the population in the local area and region is expected to grow. BMSC is committed to providing adequate employee accommodation that minimizes disruption to nearby villages. As such, a permanent camp complex for over 300 workers has been built by the project for operating activities.

BMSC proactively communicates with local, regional and national candidates regarding potential job opportunities, required skills and hiring practices.

Public Health & Safety

BMSC proactively manages the impact of its development by:

  • Providing medical services at the mine site clinic
  • Implementing healthy lifestyles campaigns for workers
  • Providing health checkups and other relevant medical testing
  • Establishing a community-focused health and safety awareness facility within each of the five key villages

The above has been implemented to help offset potential health conditions of workers and their families from causes such as stress, smoking, alcohol abuse, infectious diseases and work-related hazards. The increase in communicable diseases in mining communities as an effect of project-related migration and the influx of personnel is well established in research. Consequently, BMSC will take all precautionary steps and work closely with the regional health authorities to ensure health considerations are maintained and community awareness programs endure.

The project will result in an increase in certain hazards to the public safety from traffic particularly in the immediate vicinity. Additionally the transport of large loads and certain hazardous materials are cause for careful planning and management. Transportation occurs along a direct route from the port of Massawa to the site via the capital Asmara. Specific plans are established to manage emergencies and consultation programs will be implemented as a part of the plans via a public traffic hazard communication program.

While emergency situations from the project that could have an effect on the public are unlikely, emergency response plans have been developed to include consultative measures to prepare communities on how to respond to an incident at the site or on the road.

For more information on our Corporate Policies, Social and Environmental plans please contact us.