The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) has released a Chinese language version of its Community Development Toolkit with the support of the China International Mining Group (CIMG).

The publication, produced in partnership with the World Bank and the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), contains 17 practical "how to" tools that cover a mine's operational stages from exploration through to closure.

ICMM Principal Kathryn McPhail says, "Community development is a key element of ICMM's core mission. The Tookit enables our members and others to demonstrate their commitment to the local communities where they operate."

The Community Development Toolkit was originally published in November last year and is designed to foster closer relations between mining companies, communities and governments. In order to support sustainable community development activities that last beyond the life of a mining operation.

"The Chinese version of the Community Development Toolkit will be one of the most comprehensive documents of its kind in China ."

CIMG chairman Nigel Clark says the Chinese version of the Community Development Toolkit will form an integral part of CIMG's mission in China , which promotes sustainable business outcomes in the country's mining sector.

"The CIMG will be responsible for its distribution in China . It will be the first and most comprehensive document of its kind available in China ," Nigel Clark says.

The Toolkit, which can be applied at mining operations anywhere in the world, has its roots in southern Africa . The project concept was originally conceived at a joint workshop held in November 2000 for members of the Southern African Development Community.

The Chinese version of the Toolkit contains many instances of successful initiatives currently undertaken in southern Africa . For example, the Paoabora Mining Company, a member of the Rio Tinto Group, has worked in partnership with local people to develop the Titirheleni Community Gardens in Limpopo province in South Africa . The gardens feeds families and provides incomes and training in financial management and technical skills that have enabled the project to become self-supporting.

Copies of the Toolkit are available at www.icmm.com and www.cimg.org.cn. Hard copies are available on request.

The CIMG also launched the CIMG's White Paper 2006 last month.