Corporate responsibility

The group is developing the project to international standards in a manner that is safe, protects the environment and positively supports development within local communities. Structures such as the DCP Foundation have been put in place to help ensure that the social and economic benefits stemming from our project will last well beyond the life of the mine.

This project will also generate sizeable returns for the DRC in the form of royalties, taxes, and Gécamines’ 25% holding in DCP as well as indirect benefits such as the multiplier effect from taking on approximately 1,400 employees. Independent experts estimate that more than 50% of the profits from the project will accrue to the DRC state either directly or through Gécamines.

Kolwezi Methodist School – refurbished by the DCP Foundation

Learning in progress at the refurbished School

Development framework

Nikanor is determined that its operations in the Katanga province should not only be safe, environmentally responsible and raise the standard of living for local people, but should also provide benefits that endure beyond the life of the project.

To help ensure an integrated approach to achieving this vision, Nikanor recognises the International Council on Mining & Metals (ICMM) sustainable development framework. ICMM’s 10 principles of sustainable development are as follows:

1. Implement and maintain ethical business practices and sound systems of corporate governance
2. Integrate sustainable development considerations within the corporate decision-making process
3. Uphold fundamental human rights and respect cultures, customs and values in dealings with employees and others who are affected by its activities
4. Implement risk management strategies based on valid data and sound science
5. Seek continual improvement of its health and safety performance
6. Seek continual improvement of its environmental performance
7. Contribute to conservation of biodiversity and integrated approaches to land use planning
8. Facilitate and encourage responsible product design, use, re-use, recycling and disposal of products
9. Contribute to the social, economic and institutional development of the communities within which it operates
10. Implement effective and transparent engagement, communication and independently verified reporting arrangements with its stakeholders.

Stakeholder dialogue

Stakeholder dialogue is a key element of Nikanor's approach to responsible development. We have established a local Community Liaison Officer and a team which maintains contact with the local communities. A series of public meetings which has been well-attended is being used to engage the local population and to share information around the ongoing ESIA (Environment and Social Impact Assessment) and ESMP (Environment and Social Management Plan) process. Community liaison offices are being opened in our closest communities to allow people to come and talk to us regularly and share any grievances.

We welcome feedback from all stakeholders on the information contained in our annual report and website via info@nikanor.co.uk

Nikanor further intends tracking performance related to corporate social responsibility through the incremental application of Global Reporting Initiative* (GRI) guidelines.