Contents
1
Introduction............................................................................................................... 1
2
The Panel .................................................................................................................. 3
2.1
The Panel’s approach to FPIC within a human rights framework .................................. 4
2.2
Activities of the Panel...................................................................................................... 7
3
Background context ................................................................................................... 7
3.1
The Merian mine ............................................................................................................. 8
3.2
Maroon peoples, the Pamaka and the mine................................................................... 8
3.3
Summary timeline ......................................................................................................... 10
3.4
Relevant community-related incidents ......................................................................... 12
4
Community engagement and principles of FPIC at Merian ........................................ 14
4.1
Engagement processes and mechanisms ..................................................................... 14
4.2
Negotiating the Cooperation Agreement ..................................................................... 15
4.3
Status of the Community Development Foundation..................................................... 16
5
Panel observations on the operationalization of FPIC at Merian ............................... 17
5.1
Engaging the Pamaka as landowners ........................................................................... 17
5.2
Working at the interface of large and small-scale mining ........................................... 19
5.3
Building the social knowledge base .............................................................................. 20
5.4
Ensuring equal access to information ........................................................................... 22
5.5
Addressing women’s rights ........................................................................................... 24
6
Recommendations for the Merian mine ................................................................... 26
7
Additional guidance for industry .............................................................................. 29
8
Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 31
Annex 1: The international human rights framework
iv