Mine Community Engagement and Social Impact Assessment Audit Checklist

Comprehensive community engagement and social impact audits should be conducted annually, with more frequent reviews (quarterly) for high-priority social issues or during significant phases of mine development. Ongoing monitoring of community relations and social indicators should be part of daily operations.

This checklist covers stakeholder mapping and analysis, community consultation processes, social impact assessments, human rights due diligence, local employment and procurement practices, community investment programs, cultural heritage protection, land acquisition and resettlement procedures, grievance mechanisms, and social closure planning.

The audit should be led by a Community Relations Manager or Social Performance Specialist. The team should include human rights experts, indigenous peoples liaison officers, local content specialists, and community development coordinators. For comprehensive audits, it may be beneficial to involve external social auditors or representatives from community-based organizations.

The checklist includes items to evaluate the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement strategies for different groups, including vulnerable populations. It assesses the company's ability to understand and respond to diverse community needs, manage expectations through clear communication, and develop inclusive decision-making processes that consider various stakeholder perspectives.

Yes, this checklist is designed to be adaptable to mining operations in various cultural, socio-economic, and political contexts. However, it should be customized to address specific social challenges and opportunities in each operating environment, considering factors such as local governance structures, cultural norms, economic conditions, and community aspirations.