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ASX-listed Kibaran Resources has completed a resettlement action plan (RAP) for the planned development of the Epanko graphite project in Tanzania.
The RAP program has been conducted by Kibaran Resources in accordance with the highest global standards for social and environmental planning and achieves the performance standards prescribed by the International Finance
Corporation and mandated under the Equator Principles for best practice in international project financing developments.
The RAP is an important component of the project’s implementation planning and an essential pre-requisite to securing credit approvals under the debt financing process.
It has involved 12 months of intensive field work, that included:
- Identification of all affected persons and completion of detailed socio-economic surveys
- Surveys of land, assets and roads
- Preparation of preliminary valuations
- Evaluation of resettlement areas for housing, associated infrastructure and farm land
- Continuous consultation and engagement with affected persons and the establishment of a
resettlement working group
- Design of the proposed resettlement village
- Finalisation of a comprehensive US$7.5 million community investment package consisting of new and improved housing, upgraded road infrastructure, new school, medical dispensary, church, related community infrastructure and assistance with the establishment of sustainable micro-enterprises among village family groups.
The RAP will now be submitted to key officials within the Republic of Tanzania for final approval, including the Chief Government Valuer, Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development
Department, Ministry of Energy and Minerals, National Environment Management Council and the related regional and district Government authorities.
“The completion of the RAP not only marks a milestone in the debt financing due diligence process with our funding partners, it also demonstrates the commitment of Kibaran Resources to environmental and social stewardship in Tanzania,” states Kibaran Resources MD, Andrew Spinks
“The Kibaran Resources board and management team have a successful track record of developing resource projects in Tanzania to the highest level of environmental and social standards and we look forward to delivering the Epanko graphite project for the benefit of all stakeholders.”
