A peer reviewed, international standard Environmental and Social Impact Assessment was completed in 2013, with project updates captured in an Environmental Impact Statement Addendum in 2018 to ensure that the project will be delivered responsibly.
The Geopacific Board has approved Environment, Community, Human Rights and Mine Closure policies.
An Environmental and Social Impact Assessments completed and Environmental and Social Management System developed in line with IFC performance standards and the Equator Principles.
Engaging with our communities
Extensive community engagement has taken place and is ongoing to ensure familiarity and understanding of potential impacts and benefits of the Woodlark Gold Project on the local community.
An extensive survey has been conducted to provide valuable information around existing skills sets of the local workforce and specialist Papua New Guinea based consultants have been engaged to assist and provide training to local landowners in relation to business establishment, management and governance.
Commitment to provide positive and lasting benefits
A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was initialled in October 2020 by the Woodlark Gold Project area landowners, the National, Provincial and Local Level Governments and Woodlark Mining Limited. The MoA defines the distribution of project royalties once production commences, outlines the commitments of all stakeholders to ensure that the economic benefits flow to the people of Woodlark Island and the broader region, including employment and business opportunities and ensures appropriate management of environmental and social impacts.
Housing and infrastructure projects
An important aspect of the Woodlark Gold Project has been the relocation of the Kulumadau community which has consisted of the construction of the relocation houses, and in addition has included schools, a kindergarten, churches and a medical centre. All houses have been fitted with solar panels, batteries and water tanks. A traditional communal kitchen area has also been built.
We have prioritised the use of local labour to ensure that the primary stakeholders in the project receive tangible benefits and to promote “ownership” of the build process and resultant dwellings and community buildings,with upskilling of the local community developing skills locally which will allow the community to maintain and expand houses in the future.
Training and Development
Geopacific enjoys an active and strong relationship with the communities living on Woodlark Island and is committed to maximising local training and employment as well as local business development.
It is the intention of the Company to foster the development and capacity of the local people in the communities we operate in. One example of our commitment to onsite training is the Chainsaw training course provided to 14 local Woodlark community members, of which 10 were previously unemployed. The training courses ensured safe operation of the machinery and provided a skill for local community members to deploy on the island.
Health
Geopacific provides support for the local and provincial health services with the delivery of important health initiatives on Woodlark Island. The company is constructing a new aid post and a house for health workers as part of the relocation program and will continue to support the Provincial Health Authority to improve health outcomes for the people of Woodlark.
