There will also be a full range of other facilities for health and education. Major biophysical issues of concern to the villagers included the possible depletion and contamination of groundwater, and loss or contamination of important agricultural lands. Depletion of groundwater was deemed highly unlikely as the mine extracts water from the Senegal River. In addition, the entire mine process is operated as a closed system with no release of process water to the local environment. Groundwater supplies were only used during the construction phase and the levels were monitored on a weekly basis to ensure that there was no lowering of the water table.
Monitoring continues on a weekly basis.
Of concern to the nomadic Peul groups was the question of a raised pipeline which could have hindered the movement of their livestock. In the event, it was decided to bury it for the full 56 km length for security reasons. The recommendations of the Institute of Natural Resources have been, or are in the process of being, implemented. The INR emphasised the need for liaison and communication at local, regional and national levels to address expectations and misunderstandings. The INR also recommended that development forums be set up to facilitate the establishment of local initiatives.