Evolution Energy Minerals, Nominee for Emerging ESG Leader for an Explorer/Developer, 2024 Africa Award

Above: Evolution Energy holds a public meeting with local stakeholders as part of ongoing communications. 

About the Nominee & their Nomination

Evolution Energy Minerals Limited (Evolution) has formed a joint venture with the Government of Tanzania to establish Kudu Graphite Limited (Kudu). This entity aims to develop the Chilalo Graphite Project, a medium-scale graphite mine in the Lindi Region of Tanzania.

As outlined in the Framework Agreement and Shareholders’ Agreement, which were finalised with the Tanzanian Government, followed by the ASX announcement on March 8, 2023, Kudu was incorporated to manage the project. 

Evolution and the Tanzanian Government each hold their respective interests in Kudu as per shareholder agreement. Kudu also holds the Mining Licence and surrounding Prospecting Licences. Following the agreements, all licences have been reissued with a refreshed term.

From the Chilalo Graphite Project, Kudu aims to extract an average of 0.5 Mt of ore with an average high-grade Total Graphic Carbon (TGC) of 10.6% per annum over a predicted 19-year Project life, producing a total of 8.3 Mt of graphite concentrate (Resolve Mining Solutions, 2023). 

The focus of this nomination is Evolution Energy’s commitment to high ESG standards in the modus operandi. For example, Evolution Energy has finalised 

• the Chilalo Graphite Resettlement Action Plan (RAP)
• the Mining License Environmental and Social Impact Statement (ESIA) awaiting approval
• the mining Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) through to approval and 
• the financial compensation to Project Affected Persons (PAPS) has been paid.  

Evolution Energy’s stakeholder engagement is particularly strong, employing numerous ways to ensure local stakeholders are reached and supported.

Above: One of four Community Farms planted to showcase best practices for cultivating traditional crops, supporting sustainable agriculture and enhancing food security.

Initiative: Implementing High ESG Standards (IFC & EP) at the Chilalo Graphite Project in Tanzania

Through the International Finance Corporation’s performance standard number 5, Evolution Energy provides full replacement value to PAPs while complying with national laws and topping up with IFC Standards, including offering replacement houses, replacement land, livelihood restoration, and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

The following initiatives demonstrate the Company’s leadership in the Environmental, Social, and Governance topics of environments, social and governance, especially human rights, sustainable agriculture, as well as community health and well-being.

Highlights

• Strong Stakeholder Engagement Communications Processes: Evolution Energy have a Stakeholder Engagement Management Plan (SEMP) that guides their activities at various levels, from hamlet levels (PAPs, households, community) to district, regional, and national levels, as well as with other stakeholders such as NGOs, business communities, and other interested parties. 
• Replacement House Plan (RHP): As stipulated in the Chilalo RAP, Evolution Energy is committed to ensuring that PAPs and affected household members are relocated into better-descended and sustainable houses and can improve their standard of living and enhance their livelihood by utilising the remaining land in the backyard to conduct home gardening and poultry farming.
• Livelihood Restoration Program (LRP): Evolution Energy has established four community farms to showcase best practices for cultivating traditional crops, supporting sustainable agriculture and enhancing food security. Additionally, demonstration farms, beekeeping training initiatives, and community garden training has also been set up.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Evolution Energy is equipping and connecting the community health centre to grid power and bore water, ensuring it is fully operational and capable of providing essential healthcare services. The health centre will provide health service not only to affected PAPs but to the whole community at Nangurugai village and neighbouring hamlets. Evolution Energy’s community health initiatives will help to prevent waterborne, and water related diseases as well as access to energy resources.
• Employment Opportunities: The Chilalo Graphite Project has created close to 1,000 job opportunities, providing stable income, skills training and improving the overall economic well-being of community members.
• Skills Transfer: Through training programs such as beekeeping; home gardening (onions, tomatoes, green peppers); conservation farming (sesame, cowpeas, maize); financial literacy training (Part I and Part II); village community banking in collaboration with CRDB Bank; and bricklaying and carpentry with Ndanda Vocational Training Institute, we have facilitated the transfer of valuable skills. These programs empower individuals with new competencies that enhance their employability and personal development.
• Health Education: Evolution Energy has conducted educational campaigns to prevent communicable diseases such as COVID-19 and conjunctivitis. These efforts have raised awareness and equipped the community with knowledge to protect their health.