Using the Right Methods to Gauge Community Support

Evidence of broad community support can be considered credible if the process or method used to demonstrate support:

• Occurred after the operating company carried out consultations with relevant stakeholders regarding potential impacts and benefits of the proposed project.
• Was transparent and fully truthful about actual and potential impacts.
• Was free from coercion or manipulation.
• Included the opportunity for meaningful input by all potentially affected community members—including women, indigenous people, human rights defenders and other vulnerable and marginalised groups—prior to any decision or resolution.

Source: IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining (Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance 2018)