Emmerson PLC has commenced a socio-economic impact study for its Khemisset potash project in Northern Morocco. The study is not officially required under any of the permitting processes in Morocco, but is designed, as is the practice for mining projects, to act as a tangible proof for the positive socio-economic impact of the project. It is anticipated that it will also become an integral part of the process of negotiation for government subsidies and tax concessions under the investment convention for which Emmerson is eligible. Under its remit, the study will examine the benefits across local communes, the broader Rabat-Kenitra-Sale region and for Morocco as a country. It will also look at direct impacts but, perhaps more importantly, will look at the multiplier impacts, which can be much more significant.
Following a period of consultation and planning, Emmerson has appointed Dr Sallem Koubida, a Moroccan Professor of Economics, to assist in taking the study forward and quantifying the potential impacts that the development of the project may provide. “Throughout the multiple discussions we have had with government bodies and community representatives at various levels, it was clear that Khemisset is highly significant in terms of its expected positive impacts for our Moroccan stakeholders, hence the outstanding support that we have received,” said Hayden Locke, CEO of Emmerson. “Notwithstanding this support, providing detailed analysis of the expected positive impacts will be integral in our engagements with these stakeholders as we move into the final permitting processes for Khemisset.
“As a company, we are committed to the sustainable development of Khemisset in a manner which benefits all of our stakeholders, one aspect of which is through positive socio-economic development, especially at the local level,” Emmerson’s CEO explained. “2020 will be another year of achievement for the company as we continue to move rapidly towards the development of Khemisset. We have commenced the full ESIA programme in preparation for permitting and our feasibility study continues to progress well, and remains ahead of schedule, and we look forward to continuing to keep the market updated as we move towards its release.”
