Marvel Gold Ltd (ASX:MVL) (FRA:GR2) has completed and commissioned the first community initiative in Mali since beginning exploration at Tabakorole with the installation of a solar-powered water pump and elevated water tank storage for the village of Tabakorole.
This marks an important move for the community of around 800 as it provides water on demand and saves considerable time and effort in not having to draw water from the bore by hand as well as providing a small water reserve.
Aiming to benefit local communities
Managing director Phil Hoskins said: “We recognise that maintaining a social licence to operate is a fundamental requirement for success in Mali.
“The aim is to ensure that our work in Mali benefits the local communities and other key stakeholders including local business, governments, employees and contractors.
“Working in partnership with the communities in which we operate to identify areas of need, enables us to undertake community-related investment that has the capacity to deliver lasting benefits.”
Implementation of specific community development initiatives, such as the upgrade of the water well, follows a process of community consultation to understand the priorities of local communities and allows the company to discuss current and proposed exploration activities.
Valuable community player
Marvel is committed to being a valuable part of the local community and works closely with its neighbours to make a positive contribution to their lives.
The company actively engages with local communities and seeks to provide support for local cultural, health and education initiatives and programs, a key objective of which is to increase community self-reliance.