[E]xtractive industry projects have expanded and moved into increasingly remote areas...These large-scale projects may bring opportunity for citizens of the nations where the resources are being developed. However, the poorest and most marginalized people are often excluded from potential project benefits...[I]ndigenous peoples and local communities have called on governments and companies to enable them to give or withhold their free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) before the start of extractive industry projects that have the potential to affect their lands and natural resources...Regardless of whether a company or government requires FPIC, all individuals have a right to information and meaningful participation in environmental decision making...This report provides an overview of global policies and standards pertaining to FPIC relevant to the African context...[Also refers to Calvert group, Coca-Cola, ConocoPhillips, De Beers, Glencore Xstrata, Goldman Sachs, Inmet Mining (part of First Quantum), Newmont, Rio Tinto, Talisman, Weyerhaeuser, Xstrata (part of Glencore Xstrata)].