Newmont Waihi Gold conducted a social impact assessment (SIA) in 2009 in partnership with the University of Queensland's Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining to gauge the impact of the mine on the community. These evaluations are conducted every three years.
Using quantitative and qualitative data, the SIA identifies and compares actual impacts with community perceptions about those impacts. The study also ascertains the community's priorities. With a greater understanding of community expectations, values and perceptions, Newmont Waihi Gold is better able to mitigate negative impacts and enhance opportunities to make a positive contribution to the community.
To help ensure the SIA addressed relevant community issues and opportunities, the operation sought volunteers from the Waihi Community Vision to act as a steering group. This helped the operation ensure the assessment addressed the concerns and issues raised by the community and empowered the mine and residents of Waihi to collaborate moving forward.
