UNDP Eritrea seeks to recurit an International  consulting firm to conduct a Social Impact Study into the Potential of Colluli Potash Project for Social Impact and SDG Contrition in Eritrea:

The goal of the Study is to establish the social impact credentials of Colluli Potash Project and map it’s potential to deliver on SDGs 1,2,8,9 and 13.

The final outputs of the Social Impact Study will be:  a document which identifies clear and measurable impact which the Colluli Potash Project can potentially deliver against the specific UN goals and targets, considering also potentially adverse impact emanating from the project.  The study will form a key evidential document in the design, funding and implementation of the Colluli Potash Project, providing clear pathways for collaboration and partnership so as to deliver tangible results on SDGs as well as on COP 21 climate action targets.  The Study will also identify risks and mitigating actions which can ensure that the Colluli Potash Projects avoiding traditional pitfalls of the extractive industries in terms of negative impact at local and national level.

Eritrea, a young nation in the Horn of Africa, is focused on the development of the Colluli Potash Project as it pursues its own model of development and vision of a nation. Colluli Potash Project is a Tier One Asset located in the Danakali region of Eritrea, East Africa and owned by the Colluli Mining Share Company (CMSC). CMSC (hereafter called the Colluli Potash Project) is a 50:50 Joint Venture, between Danakali, a junior exploration company and the Government-owned Eritrean National Mining Company (ENAMCO).

The Joint Venture partners Danakali Limited and ENAMCO wish to develop Colluli Potash Project as a model shared value mining project; delivering value to investors whilst providing farmers in Eritrea and Africa with enhanced food security and making a central contribution to economic opportunity and national development.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is one of the largest UN development partners in Eritrea, working on capacity development, poverty reduction, environmental protection and renewable energy programmes in partnership with the Eritrean Government.  UNDP has identified Colluli Potash Project as a strategic opportunity to enhance the delivery of the 2030 Agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  UNDP has conducted a recent study entitled: “Mapping Mining to the Sustainable Development Goals – An Atlas” which charts ways in which mining project can contribute to delivering on SDGs.

Potash and particularly Sulphate of Potash is one of the key ingredients in soil fertility and both in Eritrea and Africa. In absence of potash soils are depleted.  This impinges on crop yield and quality, food security and incomes of smallholder farmers.  The operation of Africa’s first potash mine has potential for positive impact on food security and agriculture while also potentially supporting job creation, enterprise development as well as economic development at national level.  Its unique characteristics make Colluli Potash Project potentially as much a next-generation food security enterprise as a traditional mining project.