The Onça Puma Project is one of the largest nickel mines / nickel refinery in the world. Total direct and indirect employment during operation was estimated at over 3,000 jobs. At the time of implementation, the host communities (Ourilândia and Tucumã in the southern region of the State of Pará) each had a population of approximately 15.000. Severe shortcomings in urban infrastructure were identified relating to water supply, sanitation, waste disposal and public health. Lack of housing and other essential services was also evident. Risks of uncontrolled population influx and inducement of local inflation were a major concern. JGP was engaged by the project’s initial developer to produce a comprehensive set of social and community development programs compatible with Equator Principles.
JGP structured a Social Action Plan to assist the communities of Ourilândia and Tucumã in coping with additional demand for housing, urban utilities (including plans for expansion of water supply and implementation of sewer treatment and waste disposal), as well as health and education facilities. Training of local workforce and local supplier development programs, as well as strategies aimed at population influx management and control were proposed and were the object of extensive local consultation. From 2006 to 2011, JGP acted as environmental and social adviser of the Onça Puma Project in the implementation of the Social Action Plan.