Evolution Energy Minerals Ltd (ASX:EV1) has completed the first round of stakeholder engagement with local communities around the flagship Chilalo Graphite Project in Tanzania with the preparation of an updated Relocation Action Plan (RAP).
The company has offered to make an interim payment of about $120,000 to more than 200 affected households in line with specific International Finance Corporation (IFC) guidelines, separate to any future compensation payments made on completion of the RAP.
Evolution Energy says it is working with the Tanzanian National Identification Authority as well as Tanzanian banks, NMB Bank plc (National Microfinance Bank of Tanzania) and CRDB Bank plc, to assist affected individuals to open bank accounts for receipt of the interim payment and future compensation payments made under the RAP.
Local relationships “fundamental”
“After eight years of exploration and development, we are focused on getting to a production decision, and maintaining and enhancing our social licence to operate in the Chilalo Project area is an essential part of that,” Evolution Energy managing director Phil Hoskins said.
“An updated RAP, completed in line with leading international standards and endorsed by the local communities and the Tanzanian Government, is a critical component of our ESG program and in positioning Chilalo for financing.
“As we progress towards a construction decision in the second half of the year, we recognise that further strengthening our relationships with the local communities will be a fundamental factor in our success in Tanzania.”
In an effort to facilitate dialogue with the local community, Evolution has also opened an office at Nangurugai village about one kilometre from the Chilalo mining licence, manned five days a week.
Evolution’s project office in Nangurugai village
The office is intended to allow locals to air any grievances, to inquire about employment prospects and to obtain information about the Chilalo Project more generally.
As a result of feedback from the Nangurugai office, a series of women-only focus groups has been planned for the coming weeks to discuss women’s issues exclusively.
About Evolution Energy Minerals
Evolution Energy Minerals is focused on advancing the flagship, development-ready Chilalo Graphite Project in southeast Tanzania.
The company intends to supply sustainable graphite for the global green economy through the development of the first net-zero carbon graphite mine.
A DFS confirmed the opportunity to produce high-quality flake graphite at Chilalo and Evolution intends to apply Chilalo flake graphite to downstream processing to produce battery anode material, expandable graphite, micronised graphite and graphite foil.
The Chilalo Project hosts a high-grade mineral resource of 20.1 million tonnes at 9.9% total graphitic carbon (TGC) for 1.99 million tonnes of contained graphite.