Socio-economic studies of the communities affected by our operations are required at all stages of mine development. Such studies provide data on, for example, demographics, livelihoods, subsistence, employment, local economic activity, social organisation, community decision making, cultural and religious beliefs, and experience and expectations of a mining development.

These data are critical to our success in community relations because, firstly, areas where our operations can assist affected communities are identified (health, education, water supplies, etc). Secondly, these data inform our operations' consultation strategy. The baseline study will identify those people who are (or will be) affected by the operation. Therefore, information from the baseline study informs both the content and process of consultations.

Community needs assessments and other similar opinion surveys are designed to understand the perceptions and expectations that our affected communities have of our operations. The information gleaned from these surveys might identify particular issues of community concern, which the operation will have to tackle, or state community priorities to which our assistance can be directed. As with socio-economic studies, these surveys are also very useful in commencing and informing consultation strategies.

In West Africa, at a new iron ore project, we have conducted a preliminary community baseline study at Simandou