Citizen participation and stakeholder involvement
A mine of information? Improving communication around the Rio Tinto ilmenite mine in Madagascar
Large-scale developments should engage in two-way communication with local communities
Authors:
R. Harbinson
Publisher:
Panos Institute, London, 2007
Differences of understanding over a new mining project in Southern Madagascar have led to mistrust and social conflict which, unless addressed, could escalate. This report examines the communication processes between mining company Rio Tinto and local people affected by its new ilmenite (titanium dioxide ore) mining operation and reveals that many local people had little or no advance knowledge of the dramatic changes taking place and the reasons for them. It argues that communication plays a vital role in forewarning people affected by such large-scale development projects of the changes that will take place, and in managing their expectations. One of the greatest risks to the project is a lack of social acceptance.
The report suggests that for a large-scale development project to succeed, a number of fundamental requirements need to be met:
- all stakeholders need to have a place at the negotiating table
- they need to speak the same language
- they need an understanding of cultural differences
- there needs to be a common understanding of what is meant by a process of negotiation
- there has to be a commitment that the process will lead to tangible outcomes.
The report recommends one way forward is to create a negotiating space acceptable to all stakeholders, convened by an independent, external organisation.
