Sustainable development "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (World Commission on Environment and Development, Brundtland Commission, 1987).

Resources are the backbone of every economy. Licensing and development of those resources cannot be looked at without also considering the social and environmental impacts of such resource development. Together, they support sustainable development for the benefit of all people within the country. Resource development is essential to satisfying human needs and improving quality of life, and their development must be based on the efficient and responsible use of natural, human, and economic resources.

Breckenhill knows that merely setting competitive rates for licenses is not enough. What's also needed is an understanding that those rates are the right ones for the situation. You need to answer the following questions:

• What will be the benefit for those not directly involved in their development?
• Will there be economic spinoffs in the service economy?
• In the manufacturing economy?
• In other areas of the economy, like power, water, roads, other infrastructure?
• In environmental matters?
• What are the best ways for development - public-private partnerships (PPPs), community involvement, stand-alone?

We have the experience and the knowledge to help you in looking at this myriad of issues having been involved in mining and infrastructure in West Africa and elsewhere.