Community Relations In Mining: A Study Of Anglogold Ashanti Limited (AGA Ltd.), Obuasi Mine

Abstract

This study assessed community relations (CR) by studying AngloGold Ashanti. The study, through a qualitative research approach, conducted interviews to find out the reasons behind community relations and how it was communicated to the host communities. The study also considered how communities were involved in the implementation of a community relations policy. The challenges and benefits of CR to mining companies and the host communities were also sought. Four community leaders and a community relations practitioner were interviewed to gather data. The study was underpinned by the stakeholder theory and the two-way symmetrical model of communication. The findings of the study established that the purpose of AGA’s community relations policy is to gain social license to operate, and to enhance the mutually beneficial relationship between the company and its stakeholders within the communities. The study also revealed that communities like constant communication and community engagement which yield result. It was found that for community relations to be successful, it must not be placed under any other department within an organization but must have a full-fledged department. The findings also revealed that CR should be part of the top management positions in order to run a proactive CR department. A strong CR policy, well implemented, involving community people through the appropriate channels of communication, brings community people to the understanding that community protection is a shared responsibility. The challenges of CR do not only come from the communities but management of the mining company. It was established that benefits of CR abounded for both the mining company and the communities. Feedback was found to be a very important tool in community relations because a lack of it can create mistrust for companies, especially in the mining sector.