RE: RE: Chatham house article12 May 2025 11:05
Fantastic! I always applaud good analysis seeing as it my job. As a result, you'll have found that the locals are rather chuffed:
The Tulu Kapi Gold Project in Ethiopia, developed by KEFI Gold and Copper, is poised to bring significant benefits to the local community, particularly through a comprehensive Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) designed in collaboration with the Ethiopian government and aligned with international standards.
Key Benefits for the Tulu Kapi Community
1. New Housing and Infrastructure
Approximately 360 households (around 1,300 individuals) will be resettled into newly constructed homes. These homes will be situated in locations chosen by the community from 17 proposed sites, with a preference for areas close to the mine to facilitate access to new economic opportunities.
2. Financial Compensation and Livelihood Restoration
The RAP includes cash compensation for lost harvests and land, along with transitional support packages tailored to each household. KEFI has allocated approximately US$24.7 million for resettlement and community development, which is deductible against future tax liabilities.
3. Employment and Training Opportunities
The project is expected to directly employ and train over 1,000 individuals by the end of 2019, with additional indirect employment opportunities anticipated. KEFI emphasizes maximizing local participation in both the workforce and supply chain.
4. Enhanced Community Services
Infrastructure improvements, including the construction of new roads and a 47km power line, will not only support the mine but also provide benefits to the local community. An additional 2MW of power capacity is planned to be made available for community use.
5. Community Engagement and Support
KEFI has engaged in extensive community consultation and stakeholder engagement to ensure the RAP aligns with the needs and preferences of the affected population. The company is collaborating with external agencies to design transitional assistance packages and support the government in land use planning and infrastructure development.
Community Feedback and Surveys
As part of the RAP development, KEFI conducted socio-economic surveys and environmental baseline studies to inform the resettlement process. These efforts aimed to ensure that resettlement plans are responsive to the needs of the community and comply with both Ethiopian legislation and international standards, such as the IFC’s Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability.