Altus Strategies plc has completed the first phase of a long-term community development programme (CDP) at the company’s Diba gold project in western Mali.
DRINKING WATER
The company initially consulted local community representatives in Diba on which priorities the CDPs would have the most impact.
Discussions identified critical themes in health and education, which became the current focus for the CDP.
Phase 1 provides drinking water to the local school and village of Koropoto which lies some 2km to the east of the project, outside the company’s current licence area.
Altus commissioned specialist environmental company EBEF-Mali to install a low-maintenance system to provide safe drinking water on tap to the village and local school.
FOUNDATION
Further phases of the CDP are being planned for 2021 and 2022 and, in time, the programme will be extended to other communities in the surrounding area.
Chief executive Steven Poulton said that long-term and sustainable investment in the local communities where the company operates was core to Altus’ business.
“The project involved drilling a 72.5m borehole, construction of a 12m high water tank with a solar-powered water pump and installation of all other necessary infrastructure.
“The CDP at Diba builds on our existing strong ties to the local community from which many of our staff are employed.”