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Social Assessment, Black Mesa Coal Mine, Navajo Nation
On Common Ground conducted an examination of the social environment around the Black Mesa Coal Mine in eastern Arizona, the site of long established tensions and conflict between the company and local people. The study was initiated by the Navajo Department of Natural Resources as part of a larger program of research and policy development aimed at stimulating investment in the resource sector. Document studies were followed by a program of interviews with all major stakeholders. The report provided analysis of the situation plus recommendations to improve relations at the mine. At the broader policy level, processes and organizational structures were identified that would encourage cooperation and positive relationship building around new energy projects
Social Due-Diligence and Compliance Assessment, Chlumsky Armbrust and Meyer LLC
On Common Ground is providing ongoing independent assessment and advice regarding compliance with the social aspects of the Equator Principles and industry best practice for the San Cristobal Mine development project. The work has consisted of document reviews, on site meetings with project personnel and members of affected communities (mine development has involved the relocation of a town and displacement of a large number of subsistence farmers among other matters), and providing guidance on compliance to management. Findings are reported to the company and sponsoring banks together with recommended actions to meet compliance and industry best practice in a manner that is compatible with local cultural norms.
Social and Environmental Capacity Assessment, Office of the Compliance Advisor/Ombudsman (CAO) of the IFC/World Bank Group
On Common Ground was retained to provide specialist knowledge and assistance for an independent review of the social and environmental management capacity of a Bolivian mining company client of the IFC. The work included a review of documents, visits to the mining company's operational sites, interviews with company management and employees, and meetings with communities and non-governmental organizations local to the company's operations in Bolivia . The report assessed the company's capacity for social and environmental management, and made recommendations on how capacity might be reinforced and supported as part of the ongoing relationship between the Bolivian mining company and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
Human Rights Assessment of Goldcorp’s Marlin Mine in Guatemala
On Common Ground was retained to conduct an independent Human Rights Assessment of Goldcorp’s Marlin Mine in Guatemala. The project was initiated by a group of responsible shareholders and commissioned by a steering committee comprising a representative of the responsible shareholders, a Guatemalan representative and a representative of Goldcorp. The steering committee committed to the principles of independence, inclusivity and transparency and the final report was published in its entirety in English, Spanish and two indigenous languages. The assessment did not make legal judgments about past performance; rather it identified areas of concern, risk, and impact to enable the company to implement changes necessary to ensure human rights are respected.
Carbones de Cerrejon, Colombia
On Common Ground provided strategic and practical assistance to Carbones de Cerrejon, Colombia, for the company to engage with stakeholders. The scope of work included the preparation of a Strategic Plan, Operational Plans, facilitating the analysis and evaluation of stakeholder maps and issues, training in the implementation of international practice for consultation, assistance in the design of engagement strategies for individual stakeholder groups, and preparation of a ‘Brief Document’ for dissemination to all stakeholders and to inform the consultation process. International standards for consultation were considered minimum performance criteria in the design of the program.
Compania Minera Antamina (CMA) Lima, Peru
On Common Ground has provided ongoing consulting services to CMA since 1999 to evaluate and improve their compliance with IFC Social Safeguard policies, and corporate commitments to sustainable development and Corporate Social Responsibility. Initially contracted to review the company's compliance with World Bank social policies, as well as their community relations program, then ongoing as part of audit procedures for reaching closure on development-stage commitments to financing agencies. The review work includes the mine site, nearby communities, the mineral pipeline route, new road and power line routes, and the port facility. The focus of the compliance and audit roles has been IFC's Involuntary Resettlement and Indigenous Peoples Policies. Ongoing oversight has included reviewing the implementation of the Community Development Plan developed in 2000, and improving the participation of communities and beneficiaries, as well as the development effectiveness of the projects undertaken. Recommendations are also provided to strengthen the integration of social compliance and corporate social responsibility into operations and management systems.