The Makuutu Rare Earth Project was approved by NEMA for implementation for Retention License RL1693 in October 2022. Pilot studies including a Proof of Concept (PoC) Demonstration Plant have commenced as the Developer awaits approval of the mining lease application that will lead to commercial mining operations. One of the conditions of the NEMA approval no. NEMA/EIA/16535 for the project is to carry out an environmental compliance audit by November 2023.
The purpose of the Environmental and Social Audit is to ascertain the compliance of the project with the conditions of approval of the ESIA as well as the applicable national policies, laws, regulations and standards as well as international best practices.
The geographical scope includes the RL1693 including the Proof-of-Concept Demonstration plant. The thematic scope of the Audit will be as follows:
- Compliance with conditions in approvals, permits and licenses
- Project Environment Management System (EMS)
- Environment and Natural resources management
- Pollution control including waste management
- Occupational and community health, safety and security
- Social-gender issues
- Land acquisition and compensation
- Grievance redress/ complaint handling processes
- Stakeholder engagement
- Cultural heritage
