Mining & Communities: Supporting Human Rights-Based Development in the Context of Industrial Mining in Guinea

The metals and minerals found in the country’s soil collectively belong to the people of Guinea. The State, acting in the name of the people, can extract these resources for the public good. Industrial mining can be done using various processes. It is important for local communities to care about industrial mining for several reasons.

All industrial mining activity has impacts (positive and negative) on local communities and so changes communities’ traditional lifestyles and systems. In order to reap the benefits and avoid the negative impacts, everyone has a role to play in a country that respects the rule of law. The possible benefits include more money, job creation, purchasing of local goods and services, and improved infrastructure and service provision. Industrial mining has many possible negative impacts on the environment (land and water), society (especially women), the economy and security.

This guide outlines different scenarios and responsibilities of the State, which is the primary protector of human rights. Its four obligations are to respect, protect, promote and give effect to these rights on the whole of its territory. Also, the responsibility of companies to respect human rights in their activities and in their commercial relationships.