Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Study Job in Kenya

A Mineral Exploration Company seeks the services of a qualified and competent Firm of Experts to conduct a Full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment study for the Proposed Retreatment of Tailings.

Project Context

Generally, mining projects involve exploration, transport, processing of minerals and construction materials.

These activities include:

• Surface and/or underground operations to produce metallic, non-metallic, and industrial minerals, construction materials and fertilizers;
• Mineral handling within the mine area and, to and from the processing facilities

Major impacts that are expected to arise as a result of the implementation of the project include:

• Surface disturbance from access roads, drill holes and test pits, and site preparation;
• Airborne dust from road traffic, drilling, excavation and site clearance;
• Noise and emissions from diesel equipment operation;
• Disturbance, destruction and/or pollution of soil, vegetation and fauna;
• Contamination of streams, wetland and groundwater aquifers from generation of Acid Rock Drainage and associated leached metals, TSS and non-project pollution;
• Conflicts with other land uses (conflicts with land owners, local residents and artisanal miners in the concession area);
• Disturbance of cultural and historic resources; and
• Occupational and traffic accidents;

In accordance with EMCA 1999 and the EIA/ EA guidelines of 2002, the proponent is required to produce a comprehensive ESIA Full Study Report and submit it to the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) for review and approval.

The Terms of Reference have been prepared to not only determine the magnitude and extent of negative environmental impacts of the project but also to propose alternative

strategies and to identify corresponding mitigation measures that will be put in place to offset, reduce or minimize the potential impacts likely to arise as a result of the proposed project.

Tasks and Deliverables

1. Project Description

a) Area of influence (spatial and temporal boundaries), geographical location, layout, project size and land requirement;

b) Description of activities associated with all development stages from site preparation, engineering activities, research and exploitation to closing, staffing and employment related to each phase of the project namely the need of electricity for mineral processes activities, volume of water and expected solid and liquid waste to be generated, etc. ;

c) Detailed description of the mining techniques to be used (surface, underground, etc.)

d) Description of all equipment associated with all development stages of the project.

2. Baseline data

Analysis, evaluation and presentation of the initial state of the site on relevant environmental characteristics of the study area:

a) Description of the study area, topographic and geological composition of the land/soil, and meteorological data, hydrology and drainage patterns of the study area

b) Detailed description of the existing natural environment (fauna, flora, water, soil)

c) Description of present land use of the project and areas contiguous to it;

d) Demographic and socio-economic data from the catchment areas of the project;

e) Analysis of interactions likely to occur with all activities in the surrounding area and cumulative impacts on the environment, health and local society.

3. Legislative and Regulatory Framework

To identify and relate policies and legislation that govern the conduct of projects of this nature and how its implementation will comply with the above laws and regulations.

4. Environmental and Social impacts

Description of direct and indirect impacts of the project on the environment during planning and design phase, operational and decommissioning phase:

a) Description of the methods used in the analysis, description and classification of impacts;

b) Analysis of direct and indirect, short and long term, temporary and permanent environmental impacts of the project;

c) Description of the likely significant effects of the proposed project on the environment;

d) Identification and description of the potential adverse impacts and environmental risks associated with implementation of the proposed project;

e) Identification and evaluation of effects, description of their impact on biological and physical environment and on the sensitive ecosystems such as soil, air quality, wildlife, wetlands and underground water;

f) Description of the impact of the project on the socio-economic environment particularly the number of families which will be affected; impacts related to expropriation of land, public infrastructures affected, amplification of socio-economic positive impacts

5. Analysis of alternatives

Analysis of alternatives to the proposed project based on concession location, design, technology selection, exploitation techniques and phasing, operating and maintenance procedures:

a) Description of different alternatives to the project and their respective impacts on the environment;

b) Implication of the ‘No Project Option’

b) Justification of the proposed project

6. Mitigation measures

Measures envisaged for avoiding, reducing, minimizing or compensating potential adverse impacts of the project:

a) Detailed description of the appropriate mitigation and compensatory measures together with designs, equipment description and operational procedures (as appropriate) to respond to these impacts or to avoid or reduce risks,

b) Analysis of the proposed alternatives and description of mitigation measures of their environmental impacts

The mitigation measures shall consider but not be limited to the following:

• Policy/procedural interventions;
• Engineering interventions;
• Social-economic interventions.

7. Stakeholder Consultation

The consultant must conduct thorough consultation with interest and affected parties from the public, government, NGOs, opinion leaders, women representatives, businessmen etc. etc. and provide detailed information and documentation (photographs, completed questionnaires, participation records) of their concerns suggestions and demonstrate how they will be addressed.

A firm of registered experts comprising a multi-disciplinary team with an Environmentalist, a Hydro-geologist, Botanist, Environmental Geologist/ Chemist, Sociologist and a Civil Engineer will be mandated to conduct the study under the lead of a registered EIA/ EA Expert.

Interested Firms of Experts may express their interest by sending their technical proposals including relevant registration documents, C.Vs and experience to mineralseia@gmail.com before March 15th, 2012.