The nature of our mining and processing activities can result in gaseous air emissions, noise, effluents and contamination. We actively manage these and prevent and minimise any impact on neighbouring communities and the environment, in line with our strategy.
Learn about our carbon emissions and our response to climate change here.
Our approach to managing emissions and contamination is informed by ICMM Mining Principle 4 - Risk Management and ICMM Mining Principle 6 - Environmental Performance.
Read more about our annual performance in our Sustainability Databook. We also report annually on our air emissions in Australian to the National Pollutant Inventory at www.npi.gov.au.
Non-Greenhouse Gas (GHG) air emissions from our operations include sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulates. In the 2021 financial year, we strengthened our capacity to manage non-GHG air emissions by adding new performance requirements to our internal environment standard.
Our approach is risk based, and through the use of Source-Pathway-Receptor assessment methodology, we require operations and projects under our operational control to:
We regularly review our approach to air emissions to ensure we continue to mitigate potential impacts and manage our performance. We continue to support and actively engage in local airshed (air catchment area) forums and studies near our operations to help reduce the potential impact on our local communities and improve ambient air quality.
We report annually on the air emissions from our Australian operations to the National Pollutant Inventory which can be viewed at www.npi.gov.au.
In the 2021 financial year, we implemented additional performance requirements related to identifying, predicting, and managing contamination risks for our projects and operations. They emphasise the need to understand the risks we face, identify actual or potential contamination quickly, and use effective control strategies to address incidents. They include the requirement to:
We use the Source-Pathway-Receptor assessment methodology, like that for non-GHG emissions management, for regulatory compliance and to prevent negative impacts on human health. This methodology also helps us reduce long-term costs and closure liabilities.
Our first solar installation will help to deliver reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Read moreResearching alternative fuel sources is one way we can reduce our emissions. Biomass trial completed during FY18.
Read moreWe've developed new technology to monitor and reduce diesel exhaust emissions at our underground mines.
Read more