25 February 2004
Local NGOs have issued press statements and addressed letters to MIGA's Executive Directors and their own government raising concerns about the Koidu Kimberlite Diamond Mine in Sierra Leone, and calling for a delay of the project's approval.
Two Sierra Leonean NGOs, Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD) and Green Scenery, have expressed concerns about the inadequate discloure and comment period for the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the Koidu Kimberlite Diamond Mine, lack of access to the document and the lack of consultation during its preparation; the impacts of blasting on communities surrounding the mine; the inadequacy of the resettlement action plan for the more than 5000 people affected; and the need for a local grievance mechanism to resolve outstanding disputes between the community and the company. In addition to appealing to the Sierra Leonean Minister of Lands, Housing and the Environment to address these concerns, NMJD has asked MIGA's Board of Directors to withhold their approval of the proposed guarantee until these issues are satisfactorily addressed.