Resource information
Does Anvil Mining, a multinational company which has been extracting copper since 2002 from a mine in Dikulushi impact positively or negatively on the lives or rights of the local populations? The study argues that the impact of Anvil has been not been as problematic compared to other mining companies as the company has been adhering to relevant national and international norms and standards such as the OECD guiding principles. The study also points out that the authorities need to do more to makes sure international and national standards and norms are respected.
Key findings include:
the social projects developed by Anvil Mining are not sustainable in that, to this day, they are conceived and managed by the company with no involvement by the communities in the actual mechanics of their management, neither during nor after the mining is completed
currently, Anvil Mining has no programme which could allow it to contribute in any coherent manner to the development of the communities of Dikulushi
due to certain social projects, some rights of the community have been improved (health, employment, clean drinking water, and a secure working environment) while other rights have been negatively affected, or have not seen much improvement (rhousing, ownership of property, healthy environment)
The authors recommend that Anvil Mining:
carries out its activities in accordance with the national and international norms relating to mining
devises a development programme for local communities who are affected by the mining project, in consultation with the beneficiaries, which is in accordance with the guiding principles of the OECD, the mining code, and the mining regulations of the Democratic Republic of Congo
makes this programme available to the local communities and civil society, with the aim of allowing them to establish its conditions
promotes involvement by members of the local community, religious and traditional leaders, and local authorities in the conceptualisation and fulfilment of social project
