Akobo Minerals has engaged Sazani Associates to perform the company’s first environmental, social and governance (ESG) study, with the intention of developing a sustainable natural resource management plan (SNRMP) within 6 months. Starting week commencing 12 April 2021, Sazani will begin a situation analysis which identifies the risks and opportunities related to gold mining at the Akobo project. In the coming months, the ESG programme will include the development of a stakeholder engagement framework, rural development plan, and planning a payment for ecosystem services scheme. Simultaneously, Sazani’s work will provide vital input into the scoping study of the high-grade Segele deposit.
Akobo believes that successful mining involves a deep understanding of its relationships with the communities and the effect on ecosystems. This partnership with Sazani is the start of developing actionable plans to ensure than mining can be carried out in the most sustainable manner possible.
CEO of Akobo Minerals, Jørgen Evjen, said: “Finally being able to start our work on ESG in field is an important milestone for us in order to look at the long-term perspective and impact of our work in Akobo. So far, we have supported local communities with general infrastructure work, school supplies such as desks and chairs, and also equipment for the local football teams. With Cathryn and Sazani on board we will be able to plan for long term sustainable projects allowing for support and partnership with local communities. I am looking forward to work with Cathryn and her team, and learning from their previous experience in assisting all stakeholders involved and affected by mineral exploration.”
Dr Cathryn MacCallum, ESG Specialist and Director of Sazani Associates, a non-profit technical support consultancy, added: “We are delighted to be supporting Akobo Minerals to incorporate ESG considerations as they move forwards with their gold exploration project.”