Newmont Waihi Operations is participating in the initiation of a community
liaison forum in association with the local district council.
The objective is to provide a forum for the free and regular exchange of
ideas, concerns and information, and through improved communication seek to
achieve a more comprehensive set of solutions to community, operating and
closure issues associated with Martha Mine. A similar liaison forum has been
operated on two previous occasions during earlier phases of the present mine's
operation.
This paper deals with the practical aspects of setting up a liaison forum to
act as an effective conduit between regulators, mine operators, local businesses
and the community. The mechanisms and procedures for identifying community
issues and concerns are dealt with. The actions and structures required to
ensure effective ongoing community 'buy in' at all levels are discussed.
Corporate philosophies are addressed.
Specific examples from Martha Mine, Waihi New Zealand will be used to
illustrate the paper. This will include a brief explanation of previous and
current community issues, Newmont Waihi's operations both at Martha Mine and the
proposed Favona underground mine, and the practical issues involved in setting
up a liaison forum.