Guidebook for evaluating mining project EIAs / Руководство по оценке ОВОС горнодобывающих проектов

Most countries require an environmental impact assessment (EIA) before giving the green light to a mining project. EIA processes provide a valuable opportunity for citizens to participate in decisions about mines. The problem is, project proponents often submit long, complex EIA documents that are incomprehensible to lay people.

The Guidebook for Evaluating Mining Project EIAs will help public interest lawyers, grassroots advocates, and community members understand mining EIAs, identify flaws in mining project plans, and explore ways that mining companies can reduce the public health hazards associated with mining. 

Chapter 1, Overview of Mining and its Impacts, provides an overview of large-scale metal mining practices and how these practices can harm the

environment and public health.

Chapter 2, Overview of the EIA Process, describes the various stages of the EIA process and indentifies opportunities for influencing decisions about proposed mining projects.

Chapter 3, Reviewing a Typical EIA for a Mining Project, focuses on EIA documents and how to critically assess different sections of an EIA. 

Section 3.1 provides guidance on what constitutes an adequate Executive Summary.

section 3.2 provides guidance on what constitutes an adequate Project Description, including project alternatives.

section 3.3 examines what should be included in the Environmental Baseline, including discussion of tests for predicting the acidgenerating and contaminant-leaching potential of mined materials and the information necessary for adequate characterization of existing water and air quality, wildlife, and socio-economic characteristics of project areas.

section 3.4 provides guidance on evaluating environmental impacts, including what constitutes an adequate assessment of impacts to water and air quality, wildlife, society, and public safety.

section 3.5 looks at the Environmental Management Plan and what constitutes adequate mitigation measures and contingency plans.

section 3.6 focuses on the Environmental Monitoring Plan and what constitutes an adequate plan for monitoring the impact of a proposed project on communities and the environment.

section 3.7 looks at the Reclamation and Closure Plan, providing guidance on adequate plans for specific mine facilities (waste rock dumps, open pits, tailings dams, and leach facilities) and how to determine whether adequate funds are set aside to implement the Reclamation and Closure Plan.

Chapter 4, How to be an Effective Participant in the EIA Process, provides practical advice about how public interest lawyers and advocates can foster effective participation in the EIA process. This chapter will help readers understand the regulatory framework that applies to the EIA process, including: gaining full access to EIA documents and related information; commenting effectively during different stages of the EIA process; challenging adverse decisions; and enforcing promises made in the EIA and related documents. <...>