As the Environment and Community Specialist for BHP Minerals Exploration in Africa, I played a critical role in securing approvals for BHP’s Potash project in the Danakil region of Ethiopia. Leading the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report, I coordinated with exploration staff and worked closely with Professor Shibru Tedla, who developed the Baseline Study.
My leadership was instrumental in obtaining timely project approvals from the Ethiopian Ministry of Mines, including the project-critical approval to import radioactive materials for downhole wireline logging. Navigating the complex cultural and regulatory environment of Ethiopia was a significant challenge but also a highlight of my career. Engaging with the authorities and local communities was particularly rewarding and enriched my understanding of regulatory frameworks and stakeholder engagement.
The skills I developed in environmental management, regulatory compliance, and community relations were vital to our project’s success, demonstrating the importance of collaborative and culturally sensitive approaches in international mining projects.
