Our View

Of all the natural resources utilised by the mining industry, water is the most critical one. We cannot continue production without it. The United Nations has identified water shortages and polluted water as some of the primary crises facing humanity as our population continues to increase.

Water can play an important role in moving environmental contaminants. It is often the main vehicle for taking environmentally hazardous materials from the operation to the surrounding environment.

Cost-effective water management needs integrated planning that takes into account the total process and total life of the operation. We do not own our water resources; we have been given temporary access to them. So, we must maintain our access to water resources by managing them responsibly, pro-actively and in a sustainable way.

Our Environmental Commitment

In WMC, we will:

• establish baseline data on water quality for all water sources and receiving environments.
• consult with interested parties on water management strategies.
• have water management plans aimed at preventing or minimising environmental impact. Such plans must include a water balance and monitoring strategy and should be reviewed for any new development.
• identify all potential sources of contamination.
• use water efficiently and maximise the opportunity for recycling and reuse of water.