Our View

The potential environmental and social issues associated with mining and mineral processing operations are both highly significant and complex. The fixed location of the mineralised zone of interest imposes constraints on all aspects of mining developments.

This in turn influences the environmental and social impacts of mining developments as well as the economic viability of developing a given mineral zone.

It is important that we assess and control environmental risks associated with the development and activities of all operations. The challenges for the environmental assessment are to:

• ensure that we give adequate consideration to environmental and social aspects in determining the viability and acceptability of alternative project scenarios; and
• ensure that we incorporate adequate environmental mitigation or protection measures into project design, construction, implementation and decommissioning plans.

It is important that we make adequate assessment of any new project or change within a project regardless of whether or not there is a formal regulatory requirement to prepare such an assessment. This will ensure that we minimise the impacts and closure costs.

Our Environmental Commitment

In WMC, we will:

• undertake an environmental assessment and internal approval process as part of the planning phase for any:
• new project;
• extension;
• upgrade;
• process change; or
• expansion to an existing project.
• incorporate into the project design and construction, measures to:
• manage, minimise and monitor environmental impacts; and
• maximise efficient use of resources.
• ensure that we consider viable alternatives for all major developments.
• consult with interested parties in the environmental assessment process