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ESG

The environment, social and governance are an integral part of our operation. We understand the impact of our operations.

NICKEL MINING IN FOUNGBESSO: OWNERS OF AFFECTED LAND RECEIVE MORE THAN 227 MILLION FCFA IN COMPENSATION

 

Man, Jan 20, 2023 (AIP)-The Compagnie minière du Bafing (CMB) handed over checks to the owners of land affected by the Foungbesso-Moyango-Viala nickel mine on Thursday, January 18, 2024 in Touba, during a ceremony to sign a compensation protocol agreement presided over by the prefect of the Bafing region, prefect of the Touba department, Dinard Kouakou.

A total of 25 people whose land has been ceded for nickel mining operations have received 227,604,135 FCFA from the mining company.

In handing over the cheques, CMB Managing Director Michael Matsas expressed his delight at honouring a commitment.
"As we gather to distribute compensation, this symbolizes much more than just a financial transaction. It represents a sincere recognition of the partnership we share with communities. It reaffirms our dedication to fostering sustainable development, preserving cultural heritage and creating an environment where everyone can thrive," said Mr. Matsas
 

The landowners' compensation follows several exchanges and negotiations between the parties, which set the price at 165 francs per square metre, or 1,650,000 FCFA per hectare of land rendered unfit for cultivation.

Landowners in Foungbesso, Moyango, Viala and those whose land is used as a road pocketed a total of 116,586,690 FCFA, 57,207,645 FCFA, 22,624,800 FCFA and 31,185,000 FCFA respectively.
 

The village chief of Foungbesso, Valoua Diomandé, wished for a peaceful environment in which the company's activities could flourish, so that the spin-offs would continue to benefit the impacted villages. These villages have already seen several of their projects come to fruition under the prerogatives of the local mining development committee.

Find out more at: https://www.aip.ci/24820/cote-divoire-aip-exploitation-du-nickel-a-foungbesso-les-proprietaires-des-terres-affectees-recoivent-plus-de-227-millions-fcfa-en-guise-de-compensation/

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ENVIRONMENT

 

CMB's mining license covers an area of 66 km². The affected land (mines and infrastructure) does not exceed 1.05 km²  representing only 1.6% of the total concession.

The very nature of our nickel deposits allows for a minimal environmental footprint. The average depth of the open pit does not exceed 30 meters, while our mining process is entirely mechanical, with no use of explosives, chemicals or other hazardous materials.

SOCIAL

 

We appreciate the social license granted by our stakeholders and local communities and are committed to supporting the 12 villages with approx. 13,000 people impacted by our operations. Our CSR activities focus on four main pillars:

  • Education

  • Health care

  • Agriculture

  • Community building

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CDLM

 

The CMB has established a fund for the financing of the local Community Development Plan which is financed annually. As part of the development and implementation of the Community Development Plan, local communities, local territorial and administrative authorities are represented within a committee – Local Mining Development Committee (CDLM) which was set up under the aegis of the General Directorate of Mines and Geology.

10 schools built,

fully equipped and furnished,

plus 9 offices of

school principals.

 

A military police station with barracks.

 

Cereal grinders for rice, corn and cassava, as well as attieke manufacturing units.

 

19 houses for teachers and health professionals.

 

water towers and pumps were built to provide access to vital drinking water.

 

Construction of 4 youth centers.

 

MINING TRAINING FUNDS AND OTHER CSR ACTIVITIES

 

In addition, the CMB contributes to the financing of a fund dedicated to the training of engineers, geologists and other specialists necessary for the growth of the mining sector in Côte d'Ivoire – the Mining Training Fund.

In addition to financing the CDLM and the Mining Training Fund, CMB's social responsibility goes beyond its legal obligations to support local communities by undertaking other actions such as:

  • Vaccination and malaria prevention campaigns

  • 10 full technical scholarships for teenagers from the Touba region

  • 16 internship places with students from technical schools and universities

  • Drilling, construction and maintenance of water pumps that provide vital fresh water to all villages

  • Rehabilitation of national and local road networks

  • Provide for each village, textbooks, stationery and equipment

  • Offer literacy classes and English classes to its employees

  • Provide training in agricultural activities

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