In addition to the provisions of this act, any Mining Activity undertaken must comply with the legislation and regulations governing environmental protection and management as well as health. In particular, any application for an Authorisation or Mining Operation Title must include an Environmental and Social Impact Study in accordance with the Environmental Code and its implementing regulations as well as internationally accepted standards in this area.
Requirements of the Administration depend on the extent of the scheduled work, ranging from simple Environmental Impact Notice for an Exploration Permit to a detailed Environmental and Social Impact Study including a Hazard Study, a Risk Management Plan, a Hygiene, Health and Safety Plan, a Rehabilitation Plan, a Resettlement Plan for persons displaced by the project and measures to mitigate negative impacts and optimize positive impacts, for an Operating Permit or a Mining Concession.
The Resettlement Plan for persons displaced due to Mining Activities must, in addition to the infrastructural aspect, include compensation for loss of income and means of subsistence resulting from such displacement. The settlement and related compensation will be implemented at the expense of the company holding the Mining Title or Authorisation in accordance with a procedure determined by the Government that will incorporate international principles of participation and consultation of the Local Community.
For Exploration Permits, the Environmental Impact Notice must be filed before the start of works and no later than six (6) months after the grant date of the Title.
Appropriate techniques and methods must be used to protect the environment and the safety of the workers and Local Community in accordance with the Environmental Code or international best practices in this area.