Delays put pressure on project sustainability

At least 46% of mining projects missed delivery date commitments between 2008 and 2013 according to a recent study by Environmental Resources Management (ERM). The factors causing these delays vary from community opposition and environmental concerns to difficulty in obtaining permits or unfavourable commodity prices. Project delays are a reality in the mining sector, often resulting in escalating costs. According to ERM, the problem goes beyond just the projects in early development stages, with many operational mines struggling to meet set targets. Add Africa’s costly and often difficult logistics environment to the mix and sustainability of projects becomes a hot topic. “Projects have to be sustainable in the long run,” said Yadaira Orsini, senior project officer for International Alert. She said mining did not operate in isolation and understanding they were operating within communities was the first step towards a more sustainable model. The ERM research underscores this as decisions to determine which projects get the go-ahead in future will become more difficult, taking into account the limited development funds available, the high focus on efficiency and the impact on communities. “Companies have to implement practical and effective ways to manage health, safety, community and environmental risk to avoid project delays,” it said. INSERT Understanding that mining operates within communities is the first step towards a more sustainable model. – Yadaira Orsini