New research findings published: Understanding the perception of local and rural communities in bauxite mining regions (Guinea)

17 August 2023

Beyond its Standards and certification program, ASI’s activities to support responsible practices in the aluminium value chain include bringing together stakeholders across the industry to address challenges, promote sustainable actions, raise awareness, and encourage dialogue amongst value chain actors.

One specific example is ASI’s Indigenous Peoples Advisory Forum (IPAF), which serves as a dynamic platform for Indigenous communities and stakeholders connected to the aluminium value chain. IPAF fosters dialogue, support, and the consideration of Indigenous voices in decision-making processes.

A challenge faced by the mining sector globally is effectively engaging communities impacted by mining activities, particularly regarding the implementation of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC). Grasping the local context is pivotal for meaningful community engagement. ASI works to address this challenge through mechanisms like IPAF, training initiatives, and other approaches that help local communities have a meaningful role in shaping its activities.

In this context, ASI undertook exploratory and explanatory research to support a better understanding and perception of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent, primarily with local communities. Some interviews with additional stakeholders, including government officials in Guinea supplemented the research findings. Field research activities were conducted by ASI in Conakry and the Boké and Kindia regions from April 19 to June 5, 2022. Focus group discussions engaged 376 participants, comprising selected individuals and 19 groups.

The research findings, compiled into this booklet and available in English and French, serve as a roadmap for sustainable community engagement. ASI’s commitment to disseminating the research findings began with local communities in May 2023, undertaken with trained local community representatives. A series of workshops are planned during 2023/24, to be supported by a newly established reference group. The objective of the reference group is to use the existing IPAF network, including a broad membership across ASI’s with representatives from the impacted regions in Guinea, plus IPAF members from other jurisdictions with specific skills and experience, which will enrich the Guinea workshop activities. The booklet acts as a valuable guide, offering insights into supporting inclusive decision-making and FPIC implementation within the realm of bauxite mining.

The research findings, compiled into a booklet comprised of 7 posters and available in English and French, serve as a roadmap for sustainable community engagement. The seven posters are: Introduction • Seeking communities consent in a culturally appropriate way • Bauxite in guinea: consultation fatigue • Community knowledge of FPIC in bauxite mining regions in Guinea • Legitimate representation - who do communities want to represent them? • Women and youth engagement in bauxite mining regions in Guinea • Qualitative research methodology in rural bauxite mining regions. Download the posters using the links below.

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