These model guidelines set out how governments can use feasibility studies to ensure that mining projects are responsibly planned and sustainably managed, and provide community benefits and investor confidence.
Download full guidelines (PDF)
Supplementary paper: Understanding Mining Feasibility Studies
As the rush for critical minerals continues, mining has huge potential to generate jobs, infrastructure, foreign exchange and fiscal revenues that support countries’ broader development goals. However, without carefully planning and management, mining can lead to environmental damage, community tensions, stranded assets and the loss of public trust.
Governments can use feasibility studies – the first and most important step in deciding whether a mining project should go ahead – as strategic instruments to ensure that mining projects advance inclusive, responsible and long-term national development.
These Model Guidelines support governments to operationalise their regulatory mandates, bridge gaps in current practice and align their mining sectors with modern expectations of sustainability, community benefit and investor confidence. Drawing on international best practice while remaining adaptable to local contexts, they provide a practical framework to:
- set minimum requirements for the content and quality of feasibility studies
- strengthen regulatory oversight
- embed sustainability principles
- build trust among stakeholders
The Model Guidelines are complemented by the supplementary paper, Understanding Mining Feasibility Studies.
