Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and Resettlement & Livelihood Restoration Action Plan (RLRAP) – Kayelekera Uranium Mine and Transmission Line
Project Overview: C12 Consultants led the preparation of an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and a Resettlement and Livelihood Restoration Action Plan (RLRAP) for the proposed Karonga–Kayelekera Transmission Line supporting the Kayelekera Mine. The project required alignment with IFC Performance Standards and Malawian regulatory frameworks to support responsible infrastructure development linked to the mining and energy sectors.
Client: ESCOM (Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi) and Lotus Resources
Year: 2024 - 2025
Objective:
To develop IFC-compliant ESMP and RLRAP instruments that identify, mitigate, and manage environmental and social risks associated with the transmission line, while ensuring fair compensation, livelihood restoration, and protection of affected communities’ rights.
Methodologies:
C12 Consultants led a multidisciplinary team of environmental and social specialists, applying both qualitative and quantitative approaches, including:
Environmental and social baseline studies
Socio-economic surveys and asset inventories
Stakeholder identification and engagement across affected communities
Impact assessment and risk ranking aligned with IFC Performance Standards
Development of mitigation, monitoring, and grievance redress mechanisms
Integration of national legal requirements with international best practice
Outcomes:
Strengthened social licence to operate for the transmission line project
Reduced social risk and potential conflict through transparent resettlement planning
Improved protection of livelihoods and well-being of affected households
Enhanced alignment of Malawi’s energy and mining infrastructure with international safeguards standards
Results:
IFC-compliant ESMP and RLRAP developed and submitted
Clear identification of project-affected persons (PAPs) and entitlements
Defined livelihood restoration measures and compensation framework
Stakeholder engagement processes documented and embedded
Environmental and social risks systematically assessed and mitigated
