Our View

WMC is responsible for managing the land that it owns or leases to minimise the long-term impact of its operations. As a temporary user of land, WMC is also responsible for leaving a site, at the conclusion of its operations, in a condition that maintains the available options for the future use of the land. Furthermore, sites that have not been properly closed may become a financial liability to the company for many years into the future.

The state in which we close our operations is often the only way in which others will remember how responsible we are. Therefore, to ensure that we have continued access to other properties, it is vital that we practice a high standard of closure. Also, by minimising impact and conducting progressive rehabilitation, we will minimise security deposits required by the authorities.

Experience shows that correct attention to closure in the initial design and during the operating life will help minimise the cost of effecting closure at the end of an operation. This was clearly evident at Hog Ranch (Nevada) where closure was an integral part of the operation.

Part of the closure process should include an assessment of all potential liabilities that may extend beyond property boundaries. The environmental status at the time of closure may become important in the future when governments or others may wish to assign responsibilities for contamination or degradation.

Our Environmental Commitment

In WMC, we will:

• develop agreed completion criteria and have a closure plan in place for existing operations and before the commissioning of any new facility or operation, to maintain options for future land use.
• consult with interested parties in the development and implementation of the closure plan.
• do trials and research to ensure successful rehabilitation.
• minimise the environmental impacts of overburden and waste rock.
• establish a stable post-operating landscape that is compatible with surrounding landforms.
• do progressive rehabilitation to ensure minimum requirements at closure.
• leave a site in a condition that is consistent with the agreed closure criteria.
• throughout the life of the operation, review the closure criteria, plan to meet changing requirements and expectations, and progressively allocate financial provisions to complete the closure plan.