... IFC takes seriously the issues raised and applies its Environmental and Social Sustainability Framework... to support the identification, assessment, and management of environmental and social risks in line with international good practice.

... In line with these policies, IFC disclosed both the Environmental and Social Review Summary (ESRS), Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) and the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) prepared by or on behalf of RDMC (‘the company’). These documents describe how environmental and social risks have been assessed and addressed in accordance with IFC requirements.

Engagement with stakeholders has been a key part of project preparation and ongoing implementation. The company’s ESIA consultant conducted four rounds of consultations with national, provincial, and district authorities, project-affected communities (men and women), and civil society organizations... Local community residents have been provided with information on the grievance mechanism, as well as details on the project and ongoing activities at the mine site.

... A hydrogeological study identified a deep aquifer about 70 kilometers from the project site as the primary water source, which is saline and not used by local communities or connected to any wetlands or other ecological systems. Based on this assessment, no significant adverse impacts are expected from the company’s planned abstraction of saline groundwater...

IFC requires that all affected communities are meaningfully consulted, that cultural heritage is respected, and broader community benefits from the project are realized...