Mining
UNEP Handbook inspires stakeholders to enhance safety of mining communities
July 22, 2024 / Modester Mwalija
By Modester Mwalija
In response to the growing concerns about safety in mining communities, key stakeholders including the Chamber of Mines and Energy, civil society organizations working in extractives and mining companies have adopted the Awareness and Preparedness for Emergencies at Local Level (APELL) for Mining Handbook developed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in order to enhance emergency preparedness and uphold safety of mining communities.
APELL programme is a process which helps people prevent, prepare for and respond appropriately to accidents and emergencies. The APPELL Handbook, launched in 1988, sets out a 10-step process for the development of an integrated and functional emergency response plan involving local communities, governments, emergency responders and others.
This coordinated effort aims to address the potential hazards associated with mining operations, ensuring that local communities are well-prepared to handle emergencies.
Coordinator of the Chamber of Mines and Energy, Grain Malunga, underscores the vital role of coordination with local authorities and community leaders.
He says “this collaboration ensures that risks are well understood and mitigation measures are effectively implemented.”
Highlighting the proactive approach in identifying and evaluating hazards related to mining operations, Malunga explains that the Chamber organizes annual visits to mines to appreciate operational procedures and risks.
“These visits enable a first-hand understanding of the mining processes, allowing a comprehensive evaluation of potential risks and the development of appropriate mitigation strategies,” Malunga states.
Coordinator for Natural Resources Justice Network (NRJN) Kennedy Rashid, emphasizes on the environmental, health, and socioeconomic hazards that mining can cause if done irresponsibly.
He says NRJN works diligently to educate communities about these risks and promote responsible mining practices.
Rashid points out the collaborative efforts through platforms like the Open Government Partnership, which address governance issues in the mining sector.
“We work together to ensure adherence to labour, health, and environmental management standards,” he says.
Rashid explains that the CSOs have established action groups in mining hotspots which are equipped with skills in human rights, natural resources governance, and environmental management.
“This grassroot approach ensures that communities have the oversight and advocacy capabilities needed to engage effectively with mining companies and government agencies. These action groups play a vital role in monitoring mining activities, raising awareness about potential risks, and advocating for the rights and safety of community members.,” he says.
Innocent Ndovie, Human Resources Manager at Akatswiri Mineral Resources says the company evaluates the specific risks including land subsidence, chemical spills, dust emissions, and extreme weather conditions through comprehensive assessments and continuous monitoring.
Ndovie describes their emergency response plan as thorough and multifaceted as its mitigation strategies include advanced dust control technologies, proper handling of hazardous materials, and regular equipment maintenance.
“It includes risk identification and assessment, specific response procedures, communication protocols, resource allocation, and regular training and drills. Coordination with local emergency response teams and community leaders is maintained through regular meetings, joint drills, and community forums,” he elaborates.
He said in order to ensure compliance with the APELL process, the company adopts its guidelines and engages all relevant stakeholders in its trainings planning process.
“We conduct comprehensive on-board training, annual refresher courses, and specialized training for our emergency response teams with continuous improvements approach that involves regular reviews and updates based on feedback and evolving best practices,” he explains.
This coordinated approach not only ensures that the mining industry can respond effectively to emergencies but also fosters a safer and more resilient environment for communities around mining operations. By working together and continuously improving their strategies, these stakeholders are paving the way for a more sustainable and secure future in the mining sector.
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Rehabilitation:
The establishment of a stable and self-sustaining ecosystem, but not necessarily the one that existed before mining began. In many cases, complete restoration may be impossible, but successful remediation, reclamation, and rehabilitation can result in the timely establishment of a functional ecosystem.
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Remediation:
The cleanup of the contaminated area to safe levels by removing or isolating contaminants. At mine sites, remediation often consists of isolating contaminated material in pre-existing tailings storage facilities, capping tailings and waste rock stockpiles with clean topsoil, and collecting and treating any contaminated mine water if necessary.
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