Mali under construction Note: This project has been cancelled, because of the insecure situation in Mali, which inhibits safe investments as envisioned in the project.Besides exporting heavy equipment, applicant J.C. Dekker B.V. is also running a rental organisation in the Netherlands, specialised in heavy equipment. Together with the local partner, Diaco Sarl, active in renting cars and trucks to the fast growing mining sector in Mali they propose to start a rental and lease operation for heavy equipment in the mining sector in Mali.Another market is the agricultural clearance of new lands and the construction of large scale irrigation projects. As the machines are vulnerable to bad handling a large training programme for the personnel is foreseen. Used machines from Europe will be overhauled and send to Mali.The project will create a total of 40 permanent jobs. The partners will set up a joint venture according to the Malian law.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)First of all the project partners agree to provide their employees with competitive wages, good and safe working conditions, the freedom to associate and a working environment free of discrimination.The joint venture will neither make use of any form of forced or child labour, nor will they work with suppliers or sub-contractors that do. Apart from sound remuneration all employees will receive social security benefits via the National Institute for Social Security (INPS).Next, the joint venture will do all that is reasonable and practicable to protect the health and safety of its employees. All employees will receive training on aspects relating to health and safety at work and all necessary safety equipment such as working clothes, shoes, ear protectors and first aid kits. In addition they will receive training on the prevention of HIV/AIDS.Lastly, all employees will be treated equally. In order to promote gender diversity, the joint venture will actively encourage female employment; this also considers heavy equipment operator positions.With respect to the environment, the company will do all that is reasonable and practicable to minimise any adverse effects of its activities. All employees, including operators and mechanics will be trained on minimising waste, pollution and fuel and energy consumption and maximising efficiency.Dekker's General Business Principles will provide a starting point for the joint venture's approach to CSR.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsThe project will create a total of 40 permanent jobs.The project partners agree to provide their employees with competitive wages, good and safe working conditions, the freedom to associate and a working environment free of discrimination.The joint venture will not make use of any form of forced or child labour, nor will they work with suppliers or sub-contractors that do. Remuneration and working hours shall comply with local labour laws and wages will be at least 281% of the nationally agreed minimum wage.The joint venture will do all that is reasonable and practicable to protect the health and safety of its employees. All employees will receive training on aspects relating to health and safety at work and all necessary safety equipment such as working clothes, shoes, ear protectors and first aid kits. In addition they will receive training on the prevention of HIV/AIDS.•	Innovation / Transfer of knowledgeKnowledge on how to operate and maintain heavy equipment in Mali is in the hands of foreign companies. This project will train Malians to become specialists in the operation and maintenance of modern heavy equipment.The environmental training will create awareness about respecting the environment and how to avoid pollution, knowledge that can be applied in day to day life and future jobs as well.•	Chain effectsCompanies in mining, construction, agriculture and other sectors will benefit directly from this project because it will provide access to much needed heavy equipment.•	EnvironmentIt is common practice in Mali to get rid of waste by simply dumping it on the side of the road. An example is the discharge of used oil from cars and other engines. This is often just poured on the ground where it will penetrate the soil and pollute sub-surface water. Polluting sub-surface water with used oil and other dangerous substances will, in the long run, have a devastating effect on the environment and the wellbeing of local communities that are often highly dependent on the local environment for their food, water, health and livelihood.The project partners will make sure not to engage in such practices.The mobile maintenance unit will be equipped with empty containers to collect waste oil for further treatment.Part of the environmental management of the project is to train all employees, including operators and mechanics, on the proper use, maintenance and repair of heavy equipment, respecting the rules on the protection of the environment.•	Position of womenIn Mali, women's access to employment and economic opportunities is limited, especially for the sector this project relates to. In order to promote gender diversity, the project partners wish to employ women wherever possible. This includes office work, driving, cleaning and operating heavy equipment. Initially 3% of the total workforce is female. Male and female employees will receive equal pay for equal work.The Diabaté family gained its first wealth by the mother of the two brothers who was , and still is, the main importer of alcoholic beverages into Mali. Mother Diabaté is still very important in the family. She believes that women in West Africa are much more reliable than men in business. Creating a rental and lease company in Mali for heavy machinery with modern machinery and well trained operators.