Air quality
Ambient air-quality measurements and baseline conditions to inform assessment of mining-related emissions and dust.
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
Mes Aynak Copper Project — Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
Environmental and social assessment for MJAM’s Mes Aynak copper project in Logar: multidisciplinary baseline studies, screening, scoping, stakeholder consultation, an ESIA Report and an Environmental and Social Management Plan.
Project Overview
Integrated assessment for responsible copper development
Daira Sabz Consulting & Engineering Group delivered environmental and social assessment services for MCC-JCL Aynak Minerals Company (MJAM) at the Mes Aynak copper project in Logar, Afghanistan. The assignment connected multidisciplinary baseline studies with screening, scoping, impact assessment, mitigation planning, public consultation and disclosure.
The baseline programme examined physical, biological, socio-economic and cultural conditions, providing evidence to identify sensitive receptors and assess potential mining impacts. Field measurements, sampling, laboratory services and stakeholder consultation brought technical findings and community perspectives into the assessment.
Climate-change profiling and disaster-risk analysis examined flood, landslide and operational risks. Dedicated waste and tailings studies informed recommendations for pollution control, sustainable mine planning and environmental management. These specialist assessments complemented the baseline programme.
The report package comprised Baseline Studies Reports, a Screening Report, a Scoping Report, an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Report, and an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP).
Documentary: Aynak Copper Deposits’ Environmental and Social Impacts Assessment — https://youtu.be/fA5pcWFjF5c
Documentary: Aynak 1 Copper-ESIA — Public Consultation for a Sustainable Future — https://youtu.be/LqdjAZslZ8w
- Project Title
- Mes Aynak Copper Project — Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
- Location
- Logar, Afghanistan
- Client / Partner
- MCC-JCL Aynak Minerals Company (MJAM)
- Implementation Phases
- Baseline studies; screening and scoping; ESIA and ESMP development
- Sector
- Copper mining, environmental and social safeguards, and responsible resource development
- Services Provided
- Multidisciplinary baseline studies; environmental sampling and laboratory services; screening and scoping; impact assessment; consultation and disclosure; ESIA and ESMP preparation.
- Implemented By
- Daira Sabz Consulting & Engineering Group — Afghanistan
Baseline Studies Conducted
Eleven connected baseline study areas
The documented baseline programme covered the following areas. Climate, disaster-risk and waste/tailings studies provided additional specialist inputs to the ESIA.
Noise
Baseline noise measurements to support assessment of potential disturbance and mitigation needs.
Water resources and hydrogeology
Assessment of water-resource and hydrogeological conditions within the project’s influence area.
Water quality and sediments
Water and sediment sampling and analysis in riverine systems, supported by environmental laboratory services.
Soil quality
Soil field investigation, sampling and characterisation to establish existing soil conditions.
Geochemistry
Geochemical baseline investigation to inform the assessment of potential environmental risks associated with mining.
Ecology and biodiversity
Ecological baseline assessment, including flora, fauna and biodiversity observations.
Socio-economic conditions
Assessment of social and economic conditions and community perspectives relevant to project impacts.
Transport corridors
Assessment of transport-corridor conditions relevant to mining activities and associated impacts.
Visual landscape
Characterisation of the existing landscape and visual setting to inform impact assessment.
Cultural heritage
Assessment of cultural-heritage conditions and potential mining impacts in the Mes Aynak area.
Assessment Process
From screening to an actionable management plan
The assignment connected technical evidence, public participation and management recommendations through the ESIA process.
-
01
Screen and scope
Identify assessment needs, key issues and the scope of environmental and social investigations.
-
02
Establish the baseline
Bring together specialist surveys, field measurements, sampling, laboratory analysis and social information.
-
03
Assess impacts and risks
Evaluate potential impacts, climate and disaster risks, and waste/tailings issues; develop mitigation recommendations.
-
04
Consult and disclose
Engage local communities, relevant authorities and other stakeholders, and incorporate their perspectives into the assessment process.
-
05
Prepare the ESIA and ESMP
Consolidate assessment findings and translate mitigation and management recommendations into the ESIA Report and ESMP.
Project Deliverables
Five core assessment and management outputs
- Baseline Studies Reports — documenting environmental, social and specialist baseline findings.
- Screening Report — identifying assessment requirements and key considerations.
- Scoping Report — defining the issues and study scope for the ESIA.
- Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Report — integrating baseline evidence, impact assessment, consultation and mitigation.
- Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) — setting out environmental and social management, mitigation and monitoring measures.
Why It Matters
Evidence that connects mining decisions with people and the environment
A complex copper project requires more than isolated surveys. By integrating baseline evidence, community perspectives and management planning, Daira Sabz helped establish a structured basis for assessing risks and informing responsible project decisions.
Relevant Expertise
Multidisciplinary ESIA support for mining and infrastructure
Daira Sabz provides similar services for:
- Mining and mineral development
- Mining-related energy and transport infrastructure
- Environmentally and socially sensitive development sites
Our relevant services include:
- Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
- Screening, scoping and multidisciplinary baseline studies
- Environmental sampling, measurements and laboratory analysis
- Biodiversity and cultural heritage impact assessment
- Socio-economic studies and stakeholder consultation
- Climate and disaster-risk assessment
- ESMP preparation and environmental management planning
Project Gallery
Mes Aynak: technical fieldwork and public consultation
Project photographs documenting site conditions, baseline surveys, environmental sampling, biodiversity observations and stakeholder engagement.
Related Experience
Explore our environmental and social assessment work
Further assignments linking technical field evidence with impact assessment and management planning.
Initial Environmental Examination
Environmental Monitoring for Health Centers in Herat
Air, noise and water monitoring for health facilities in Herat through a two-phase sub-consultancy with NESPAK.
Herat Province, Afghanistan
Initial Environmental Examination
Baghdara Hydropower Project — Environmental and Social Assessment
Feasibility-stage ESIA for MJAM’s Baghdara Hydropower Project in Parwan and Kapisa, combining environmental and social baselines, laboratory analysis, climate and disaster-risk assessment, and practical safeguards planning.
Kapisa and Parwan, Afghanistan
Initial Environmental Examination
Herat Marble, Onyx and Travertine Project — ESIA
Environmental and social assessment for the Jare Takhomak marble mine within Ghaznawi Farah’s Herat project, combining baseline studies, field monitoring, consultation and support for NEPA review.
Herat, Afghanistan
Work With Daira Sabz
Plan your next mining ESIA with multidisciplinary expertise
Discuss your project stage, study area and assessment needs with Daira Sabz—from screening and baseline investigations to consultation, ESIA reporting and environmental and social management planning.
