What the work actually looks like
Real mandates, real complexity. Each case study covers the situation that was brought to Thomas, the approach he used, and what resulted. Where confidentiality requires it, client names and locations are anonymised.
Community conflict in extractive industries is rarely straightforward. The parties have history. The power dynamics are asymmetric. The stakes are high for the company and higher still for the community. What works in one context may be counterproductive in another.
The case studies here are not success stories presented without friction. They reflect the situations as they were — including the constraints, the moments where resolution was uncertain, and the factors that determined which direction things went.
How an embedded community relations function helped a lithium mining company in Portugal navigate land acquisition, community opposition, stakeholder engagement, and social license challenges in Europe’s critical minerals sector.
How a facilitated multi-stakeholder workshop reformed an operational grievance mechanism for a mining company in Mozambique, resolving procedural bottlenecks and establishing objective standards for assessing community claims.
How structured community mediation resolved years of accumulated grievances between a mining company and local communities in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique. A three-day mediation engagement that rebuilt working relationships.
We look forward to working with him further.
Thomas played a crucial role in ensuring agreement was reached during discussions between MRM and community leaders and representatives from around MRM. Since these discreet engagements, Thomas has been retained by Gemfields on an ongoing basis to provide mediation advice, support and training. Thomas has proven to be a skilled mediator and trainer.
A 30-minute call is enough to understand your situation, whether conflict is already live or you'd rather it never gets there. No obligation, no generalist pitch.
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