Reconnaissance Trip Interim Report: ANU-Rio Tinto Sulawesi Nickel Social Baseline and Community Relations Project

This report presents the findings of a two week reconnaissance trip to the proposed Rio Tinto Sulawesi Nickel mining prospect and its surrounds (henceforth "Project Area"), during the period 2-16 November 2008. The study was undertaken as part of a comprehensive social baseline study of the Project Area by teams from the Australian National University (ANU, Canberra), Tadulako University (UNTAD, Palu, Central Sulawesi) and Haluoleo University (UNHALU, Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi). The findings represent a comparative and progressive addition to the Desktop Study produced in July 2008 (Robinson, McWilliam and Malhi 2008). The objectives of the study included providing an opportunity for the study teams to gain a first hand understanding of the Project Area and to confirm the findings of the Desktop Study. The reconnaissance trip also provided opportunities for team building among the research partners and to make initial introductions with village communities likely to be affected by the mining development.