Baseline studies

Before developing the project we worked with Conservation International (CI) to assess the region's biodiversity. The rapid assessment programme identified many important species.

The partnership was formed in the spirit of providing significant gains for biodiversity conservation, the communities that rely on resources within the region, and the Government of Guinea. Initial studies covered the area of the proposed mining operations before work got under way on areas affected by rail and port developments. And all were conducted in close consultation with the local communities.

Identifying environmental threats

Conservation International also conducted a socio-economic threats and opportunities assessment. Several threats were identified, including bushmeat hunting and unsustainable agricultural practices. These findings will feed into Rio Tinto's baseline studies for our Environmental Impact Assessment for the project.

Creating a new benchmark

"We match our development plans for Simandou against the baseline studies, to create environmental and social impact assessments," says Environment and Communities manager John Merry. "These assessments influence Rio Tinto and the Government of Guinea's planning, and ensure the entire multi-billion dollar project is underpinned by sustainable development.

"It was clear to us from very early on that a new approach and level of effort would be required in our baseline studies," says John. "Even though Rio Tinto has vast experience in this are, we knew that we would have to be innovative and create a new benchmark.

"Our approach is certainly paying off in terms of scientific results. Plus there is enormous personal satisfaction in working with some of the world's leading scientists and having their research become part of the global knowledge base about west Africa.

"Seeing and feeling their excitement when they can get out of the laboratory and into these remote areas to conduct their investigations helps make our work worthwhile. You can't help being excited when they find a new amphibian species or identify a bird or a bat hundreds of kilometres away from where it was thought to live."