SUSTAINABLE Acknowledgements

This document was based on A Guide to Leading Practice Sustainable Development in Mining (2011). It was developed by Centre for Sustainable Mining Practices with the support of the Leading Practice Sustainable Development Program for the Mining Steering Committee. The Steering Committee involved leading experts from university research and education centres, industry, state and federal governments and was chaired by the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism. This initiative is also part of the Australian Government’s commitment to the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate.

The Leading Practice Sustainable Development Program for the Mining Industry (LPSD) is a program that promotes sustainable development and industry self-regulation through proactive adoption of leading practice principles. The program was launched in 2006 and is administered by the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (RET).

For more information about the LPSD and to download a copy of the report, visit ret.gov.au/resources/resources_programs/ lpsdpmining/handbooks/Pages/default.aspx

Austrade gratefully acknowledges the assistance of Associate Professor David Laurence, Australian Centre for Sustainable Mining Practices at the University of NSW, with the preparation of this document.

Cover image: ’Tree planting involving miners and their families’ by Joel Forte. Snowden Photo Competition 2011. Photo courtesy of Snowden

Disclaimer

Austrade does not endorse or guarantee the performance or suitability of any introduced party or accept liability for the accuracy or usefulness of any information contained in this Report. Please use commercial discretion to assess the suitability of any business introduction or goods and services offered when assessing your business needs. Austrade does not accept liability for any loss associated with the use of any information and any reliance is entirely at the user's discretion.

©Commonwealth of 2013

This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from the Commonwealth, available through the Australian Trade Commission. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the Marketing Manager, Austrade, GPO Box 5301, Sydney NSW 2001 or by email to [email protected]

Publication date: May 2013

2 sustainable MINING Cultural Heritage Workshop about the Lihir Mine, Papua New Guinea. Photo courtesy of Ltd around the solutions Leading pra used world ctie

SUST AINABLE MINNG 3 Introduction Australia has a mature mining and resources industry INDUSTRY OVERVIEW built on nearly 200 years of experience.

The strength of Australia’s resource In recent decades, Australia has developed INDUSTRY STRENGTHS sector has fuelled much of its economic advanced capabilities in environmental and development and helped underpin water management as well as innovative COMPANIES AND social development. approaches to community engagement and development. CAPABILITIES This growth has also seen the rise of sustainable mining methodologies, where This industry capability statement provides FURTHER Australian companies have developed an overview of Australian capabilities in several leading practice solutions now used in aspects of sustainable mining: environmental INFORMATION Australia and across the world. and water management, community engagement and development. It includes The Australian mining industry is at examples of some of the many Australian the forefront of the global pursuit of companies with specialist expertise. sustainable mining, recognising that environmental accountability, social Talk to your local Austrade representative responsibility and commercial success for tailored advice and information on are now inseparable concepts. connecting and partnering with the Australian mining industry.

4 sustainable MINING ‘’s Underbelly’ by Greg Tossel. Landscape/General Setting Winner, Snowden Photo Competition 2010. Photo courtesy of Snowden SUST AINABLE MINNG 5 Australia has an abundant supply Australia’s mining sector has built a In the field of sustainable mining, Introduction reputation as a world leader in the Australian companies have of mineral resources, including the world’s largest reserves of , development and manufacture of developed leading practice INDUSTRY OVERVIEW mining equipment, technology and solutions being used in Australia , and . services (METS). and across the world. INDUSTRY STRENGTHS It is a world leader in the production of Australian firms are competitive 1,2 key mineral commodities including: right across the supply chain, COMPANIES AND the world’s leading producer of including exploration, engineering, 1 minerals processing, environmental CAPABILITIES , alumina, , and tantalum management, mine safety, research and development and education FURTHER the second largest producer of and training. 2 gold, , lead, manganese INFORMATION and the third largest producer of 3 , nickel, uranium and zinc ‘Sustainable resource management in Australia 4 the fourth largest producer of is something that’s always been at the forefront black and of the mining industry. It’s something our the fifth largest producer 5 of aluminium, brown coal, communities and our people demand and , and . something the people involved in the mining This wealth of mineral resources, underpinned by significant investment sector particularly are passionate about. in research and development (A$3.8 billion in 2010-2011)3, has We plan our mines for mine closure, so we take generated a skilled industry of into account rehabilitation regeneration at the professionals, advanced extraction processes and cutting-edge very outset of any mine development.’ technology. Michael Wright Executive General Manager, Australian Mining Thiess

6 sustainable MINING Lightning Rig operating at Jolokia 1 in the Cooper Basin at dawn SUST AINABLE MINNG 7 World’s leading This in turn has created a broad It also assists the industry to operate in Introduction framework of ongoing demand for, a manner which aligns with community practice in and the continued development of, expectations, and which seeks to INDUSTRY OVERVIEW sustainable mining innovative technologies and services maximise the long-term benefits in sustainable mining practices. to society through the effective The Australian mining industry management of Australia’s natural INDUSTRY STRENGTHS The Minerals Council of Australia’s has considerable experience in resources. All member companies of Enduring Value Framework For bringing together the concepts of the Council are required to sign off on Sustainable Development provides COMPANIES AND environmental accountability, social the Enduring Value framework. responsibility and commercial critical guidance to mining companies CAPABILITIES success. Sustainable mining depends on applying the International Council Conscious of the importance of on excellence in mine safety and on Mining and Metals (ICMM) environmental sustainability, the FURTHER health as well as optimising the Sustainable Development Framework Australian mining industry has invested INFORMATION extraction of the mineral resource, Principles at an operational level. heavily in personnel, training, scientific or resource efficiency. research and development to ensure that the highest environmental, safety Australia is a world leader in and community standards sustainable mining thanks to are achieved. a combination of a long history of implementing strong environmental and Resource efficiency Environment safety regulations as well as adopting voluntary codes of practice and standards. SUSTAINABLE MINING Community PRACTICES Economics

Safety Diagram courtesy of Associate Professor David Laurence, University of NSW 8 sustainable MINING Sustainability These initiatives are further supported Introduction and enhanced by the Leading across the mining Practice Sustainable Development ‘Australian companies INDUSTRY OVERVIEW life cycle Program in Mining initiative, are committed to the which was launched in 2006 by Australia’s mining companies the Australian Government and management of the INDUSTRY STRENGTHS recognise the need to manage the mining industry. The program their mining and mineral projects established best-practice procedures resource for its whole life COMPANIES AND in an environmentally and socially that encompass all stages of the cycle, from the discovery CAPABILITIES responsible manner. To do this, they mining process and the key issues have developed a range of initiatives which affect sustainable mining. of the resource through and protocols that cover all stages FURTHER of the mining process, from initial Australian expertise in mining the exploitation phase INFORMATION exploration to mine rehabilitation sustainability and social responsibility and closure. covers a number of areas across the and importantly through typical mining project cycle. the wind-down and the regeneration phase.’

4 Phases of a mining project which need to be considered in evaluating mining sustainability John McGagh Head of Innovation RioTinto Exploration Feasibility Planning and design Closure Sustainable planning and development Completion principles implementation Construction Operations Decommissioning and closure

SUSTAINABLE MINING 9 10 sust and otherconsultants. pipeline componentsundertakenbyXCu the mineplanning,process plantand sustainability across thePF XCu engagedSKMtointegrate help toaddress thesechallenges. ‘sustainability indesign’ approach would SKMrecognisedproject. thatadoptinga power station)componentsforthe study (PF Merz (SKM)toundertakeapre-feasibility Australian consultancySinclairKnight Copper(Xu)commissioned complex socio-economicissues. difficult terrain,acid rockdrainage,and power andtransport), highannualrainfall, infrastructure intheregion (particularly many challenges,includingvery limited in PapuaNewGuineaissubjectto The Frieda River coppermineproject Case study:sustainabilityplanning into design Building sustainability ainable MINNG S) oftheinfrastructure (including S , including • airportlocation. •  • methodofore andwaste rock haulage •  into theproject design,including: integration ofsustainability considerations for XCu’s PF SKM prepared thesustainabilitychapter alignment port locationandmainaccessroad concentrate method fortransportingcopper S report, demonstratingthe

Photo courtesy of Sinclair Knight Merz Environmental • managing the environmental and social • leading-practice techniques during the Introduction impact of a temporary workforce, operation of the mine to reduce the management including contractors and subcontractors potential for long-term issues associated with acid mine drainage INDUSTRY OVERVIEW Australia is an ecologically fragile land • developing robust environmental with diverse climate and landscapes, management systems and community • evolved understanding, regulation and INDUSTRY STRENGTHS an environmentally aware population engagement initiatives suitable for use management of carbon emissions and very stringent laws to protect the throughout the mine life cycle environment. This combination has • sound emission regulation and industry COMPANIES AND resulted in the development of world-class • developing and implementing risk identification and management CAPABILITIES expertise in environmental management management techniques to manage and processes and technologies. within the mining industry. Australian mitigate environmental impact during the FURTHER mining companies are at the forefront operations phase of environmental assessment and • ameliorating the negative effects of ‘Australia is at INFORMATION management and have become a world unexpected or unplanned closures authority on environmental management. through using a more integrated the forefront of Their capabilities include: approach to mine closure planning, environmental • environmental baseline data collection, including community engagement including surface and groundwater • best-practice rehabilitation planning sustainability quality and quantity, soil types, fauna and and implementation through leading research, particularly vegetation types and meteorological data in landform design, topsoil usage and • waste rock characterisation and revegetation outcomes as applied to preliminary assessment, including testing • biodiversity management to minimise the mining and of sulphide ore bodies for acid-based long-term impacts from operations, accounting and metals including opportunities for improvement mineral sector.’ • feasibility planning to support the mine in the lease and adjacent areas by introducing innovative and sustainable Ian Dover evaluation process, including economic, Director, Business Development environmental and social impact land management practices and Commercialisation assessment • monitoring and measuring the Minerals Down Under Flagship CSIRO • Environmental Impact Assessments and performance of closure and rehabilitation Social Impact Assessments activities against the agreed standards and criteria • managing the social and environmental impact of surface disturbance

SUSTAINABLE MINING 11 12

sust Regeneration at the Boddington Gold Mine ainable MINNG

Leading the way in Brazil orleyParsons Case study: environmental and Key project achievements to date include: social programs 1. The integration between engineering Australian consultancy WorleyParsons and environmental areas, which enabled is helping the Juruti Mine project in the achievement of the environmental Brazil to achieve world’s best practice licences within the timeframe. Photo courtesy of W Photo courtesy environmental standards. 2. Among the 35 environmental and Located in the west of the State of Pará, social programs, the Support for Family the Juruti Bauxite Aluminum Mining Agriculture Program was awarded First Complex Project includes the bauxite Prize in Environmental Initiatives by mine, a port and a 60km railroad linking Brazil in 2008 in the Community the two. Relations category and received the gold trophy as the Best Project of The project began in 2000. Through its All Categories. wholly owned Brazilian entity, CNEC, WorleyParsons has been involved since 3. The quality of services offered 2001 and has been responsible for by WorleyParsons and the good preparing the Environment, Social and relationship with Alcoa allowed the Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) and WorleyParsons Environment team implementing 35 environmental and to be involved during the entire life social programs during project design and cycle of Juruti Project, from 2001 until construction. WorleyParsons continues to 2010 when the Operation Licence provide environmental monitoring support was granted. In 2011, an additional for the project. environmental monitoring contract for two and a half years was awarded to WorleyParsons.

SUSTAINABLE MINING 13 Community Research and development activity • managing risk and mitigating Introduction associated with new mining associated impact on an individual engagement and operations is directed towards mine, company and the INDUSTRY OVERVIEW development ensuring that the mine sites adhere mining industry to best environmental practices and The mining services sector is an • managing the environmental and that the workforce and surrounding INDUSTRY STRENGTHS important part of the Australian social impact of a temporary communities are fully involved in community as an employer and wealth workforce, including contractors the process. COMPANIES AND creator. The Australian mining industry and subcontractors Companies need to secure broad works closely with communities to • identifying and leveraging CAPABILITIES community support and acceptance ensure positive relations between opportunities for Indigenous in order to maintain their ‘social the mining operation and the participation in the workforce FURTHER community. Community engagement licence to operate’. From local and INFORMATION and development are a key part of international experience, Australian • planning and developing an effective the Leading Practice Sustainable mining services companies and monitoring framework service providers have developed Development for the Mining Industry • water management, including capabilities that include: program and Australian mining eliminating acid mine drainage risk. companies are at the forefront of • community engagement planning 4 global best practice in these areas. and communication including In addition, Australian investment in stakeholder identification and exploration and mining activities in analysis and socio-economic and developing countries has increased social impact assessment exponentially in recent years, and • mine closure planning, including a demonstrated track record in mine closure issues, and working with local communities and the integration of economic, environments has been crucial to environmental and social elements the success of these projects. It is into the decision-making process estimated that there were more than 230 Australian resources companies • managing community engagement active in Africa in mid-2011, with more and communication activities during than 650 projects in 42 countries the construction phase (more than 40 per cent of all Australian overseas mining projects).5

14 sustainable MINING

Preserving cultural heritage in Lihir

Case study: community engagement In 2009 LGL extended its investment in Lihirian cultural heritage management, in The Lihir gold mine is located on the keeping with the sustainable development largest island of the Lihir Group of Islands principles of the International Council on in Papua New Guinea. The mining Mining and Metals. operation commenced in 1995 after an Integrated Benefits Package (IBP) The Lihir Cultural Information Office agreement was reached with the Lihirian initiated the establishment of a Lihir-wide community, the government and the Lihir representative cultural heritage committee. Management Company (LMC), a wholly In mid-2009, an island-wide workshop was owned subsidiary of . held to enable the committee to develop a draft cultural heritage management In 2005 Lihir Gold Limited (LGL) assumed plan (CHMP) aligned with internationally ownership and management of the recognised heritage standards. operation and in 2010 LGL merged with Newcrest Mining Limited. The CHMP’s first priority project, official registration of a Lihir Cultural Heritage Following pre-mining social impact Association, was achieved in 2010 and assessment studies in the 1980s and the Association has since completed a concerns expressed by community leaders number of projects. about the need to strengthen and preserve Lihirian culture, in 1998 LMC established Case study courtesy of Department of

M ining L td of N ewcrest L aunching of the ihir C ultural Heritage M anagement Plan. Photo courtesy a Cultural Information Office, managed by Resources, Energy and Tourism a senior Lihirian. This office documented ret.gov.au major sacred sites and cultural practices and organised various cultural festivals.

SUSTAINABLE MINING 15 Mines and vines at Beltana

Case study: community engagement In response, Xstrata formed a specific project team and a community ‘By taking the time to listen to local consultation committee. With input landowners and address their from the community, academics and individual concerns, we were able consultants, Xstrata constructed a to work together throughout the simulated vineyard over the existing various stages of the project to South Bulga underground mine, to assess the impacts of subsidence achieve a positive result for both the on the vineyard infrastructure. It kept mine and the community.’ stakeholders regularly updated on the David O’Brien, General Manager progress of viticulture trials. Environment and Community, Xstrata Coal NSW The Environmental Impact Statement for the continuation of South Bulga’s Mining company Xstrata has pioneered a underground workings to the new vineyard monitoring program for its Bulga Beltana highwall, longwall punch Coal mine. The mine is located in the Hunter mine included development of more Valley, , one of Australia’s detailed impact assessments for each best-known wine producing regions. property to be undermined and tailored individual management strategies to be In the mid-1990s, Xstrata applied for coal given to each property owner. Xstrata exploration licences to investigate an then established a comprehensive area beneath 40 commercial vineyards consultation program for the ongoing and near a significant local watercourse. management of the mine. Mining under operational vineyards was a first for Australia, possibly the world, and Case study courtesy of Department local residents expressed concerns about of Resources, Energy and Tourism the potential impact on local viticulture ret.gov.au and water resources.

16 sustainable MINING Water management Australian water industry consultants Australia’s Dynamic Water Industry, Introduction working in the planning and delivery of available from austrade.gov.au/water, Australian mining companies and their mine projects have a wealth of experience provides more information INDUSTRY OVERVIEW services providers have vast experience in dealing with issues such as remoteness, about Australian expertise in water in the management of drought and too little or too much water, lack of easily resource management. INDUSTRY STRENGTHS flood conditions, which has placed the accessible power and harsh operating Australian water industry in a unique conditions for both equipment and position to offer significant capabilities personnel. COMPANIES AND and strengths in the management of water resources in the mining industry. Australian capabilities in mine CAPABILITIES management include the following water Each year, exploration and mining of considerations in resource development FURTHER Australia’s mineral resources consumes and design: four per cent of the nation’s available water INFORMATION supply, or almost 600 gigalitres. Australia’s • water supply – identification and mine sites are often in remote locations quantification and arid areas, making the securing • impacts of water abstraction/diversion of adequate water supplies a on local water resources/users particular challenge. • government approvals Backed by a strong governance • water supply, storage and treatment framework, Australian water businesses (design and construction) have produced innovative products, services and solutions to address the • dust suppression and dewatering challenges of water management. As other discharge nations begin to address the effects of • waste water treatment and disposal climate change and look to secure their own water futures, Australia is well placed • site stormwater management to offer insights from its experience in • acid rock drainage management building resilience into water systems.

SUSTAINABLE MINING 17 GHD helps Centennial Coal optimise water management

Case study: water management With GHD’s help, Centennial began an assessment program to determine of G H D Photo courtesy Effective water management practices water management capabilities at its can improve efficiencies through a mine’s mine sites. This involved developing life while at the same time minimising detailed water balances for existing and environmental impacts. Recognising this, future operational conditions, as well as and concerned with the management of groundwater models. In this process, water resources at some of its mine sites, multiple sites were evaluated. the Centennial Coal Group (Centennial) sought to better understand the demands GHD will continue to oversee the work on its processing activities and engaged with Centennial, including undertaking a Australian firm GHD to assist. number of water balances, Australian and New Zealand Environment Conservation Centennial supplies thermal to the Council (ANZECC) assessments and Australian domestic and export markets. water management plans. The company operates a number of mines in the Lake Macquarie and A GHD team member said, ‘The viability Western regions of New South Wales of mines is based on a range of factors (NSW) and is a major supplier to the including water management. Our water NSW energy industry, fuelling around assessments, which included a review 40 per cent of the state’s coal-fired of conditions according to ANZECC electricity. guidelines, allow resources companies such as Centennial to better understand GHD is an international network of the impact of water management on engineers, architects and environmental mine operations and sustainability scientists serving clients in the global requirements’. markets of water, energy and resources.

18 sustainable MINING Introduction Innovations in Education and sustainability institutional INDUSTRY OVERVIEW The Australian mining exploration and strengthening support services (including equipment, Australia’s rich mineral endowment technology and services) sector INDUSTRY STRENGTHS has been enhanced by an ongoing contributed approximately A$90 billion commitment to build expertise at all levels to the economy in 2010-2011.6 COMPANIES AND of mining operations from exploration and The industry invests significantly in extraction through to mineral processing, CAPABILITIES research and development, and this has including a deep understanding of been crucial to developing Australia’s sustainability at every stage of the mine FURTHER competitive edge in this field and life cycle. contributing to its leadership in INFORMATION Australia has a formal resources and sustainable mining practices. infrastructure industry training package The Commonwealth Scientific and (RII09) that can be viewed at Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), training.gov.au/Training/Details/RII09 Australia’s national science agency, runs Skills DMC is the organisation responsible the Minerals Down Under Flagship. This for the national competency recognition program uses an integrated approach system (Training Packages) that covers to innovation across the minerals value the mining and resources sectors. chain in order to address the industry’s key More information can be viewed at challenges and global issues of energy, skillsdmc.com.au water, productivity, safety, recycling, environmental performance and Australia has also gained a reputation for social responsibility. its graduate minerals-related courses and hosts numerous students from developing .au/Organisation-Structure/ countries in these programs at a number Flagships/Minerals-Down-Under- of tertiary institutions. Thanks to its long Flagship.aspx history of mining education and the skills and knowledge of its mineral educators, Australia is assisting many governments to build capability, including best practices in sustainability, in their mineral sectors.

SUSTAINABLE MINING 19 20 sust mining starts. visualise potential impactsbefore the government andthecommunityto a proposed miningoperation, allowing the environmental andsocial impactsof The AVIE isalsobeingusedtosimulate high-impact learningexperience. training results inacost-effective, lowrisk, consolidated. Thescopeforindustry procedures tested, andfeasibilitystudies be safelyexperienced, evacuation simulation, potential hazardscan Within thesafeconfinesofa3D hard rock tocoal. from open-cuttounderground, from simulate variousmine environments – developed byindustryprofessionals to A rangeofmoduleshassincebeen called theAVIE. constructed avirtual reality simulator the University ofNewSouthW The SchoolofMiningEngineeringat Case study:educationandinnovation virtual reality Sustainability meets ainable MINNG ales has

Photo courtesyPhoto of Australiancourtesy of C entreUNSW for Australian Sustainable Centre Mining for SPractices,ustainable University Mining Practices of NSW. SUSTAINABLE MINING 21 Introduction INDUSTRY OVERVIEW INDUSTRY STRENGTHS COMPANIES AND CAPABILITIES FURTHER INFORMATION

The following table lists some examples of companies and their capabilities. Contact your local Austrade representative for assistance with connecting with the Australian businesses that best suit your requirements.

austrade.gov.au

22 sustainable MINING Company name Public policyResearch development andEnvironmental project managementRisk auditing assessmentHazardous and management substanceEnvironmental management monitoringEnvironmental – Environmental monitoringEnvironmental – monitoring water Environmental –monitoring noise –monitoring vibrationEnvironmental – Mine monitoring site closureWater – otherand management rehabilitationWaste managementCorporate Social ResponsibilityCommunity consultation/Education andBiodiversity training Other and land useTechnologies planning Consulting services dust control and gases land, including subsidence (including acid rock (including drainage) tailings disposal) services/consulting working with Indigenous communities ABR Process Development • • • • Apex Envirocare • • • • • Aquamill Five Star Pty Ltd • • • • • • ATC Williams • • • • • • Australian Enterprise in Mining, Energy and Exploration • • Baleen International Pty Ltd • • • C&R Consulting (Geochemical and Hydrobiological Solutions) Pty Ltd • • • • • • • • • • • • Cardno • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Clean TeQ • • • Coffey • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CQG Consulting • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Denley Environmental • • • • • • • Earth Systems Consulting Pty Ltd • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Eco Logical Australia • • • • • • • • • • Ecosure • • • • • • • • • • Elliott Whiteing Pty. Ltd. • • • • • Environmental Systems & Services Pty Ltd • • • • • • • • GHD • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Golder Associates • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • IESA Environmental • • • • • • • • • • • • JP Environmental • • • • • • • • • • • • • • McCollum Environmental Management Services • • • • • •

SUSTAINABLE MINING 23 Company name Public policyResearch development andEnvironmental project managementRisk auditing assessmentHazardous and management substanceEnvironmental management monitoringEnvironmental – Environmental monitoringEnvironmental – monitoring water Environmental monitoring– noise – monitoring vibrationEnvironmental – Mine monitoring site closureWater – other and management rehabilitation Waste managementCorporate Social ResponsibilityCommunity consultation/Education andBiodiversity training Other and land useTechnologies planning Consulting services dust control and gases land, including subsidence (including acid rock (includingdrainage) tailings disposal) services/consulting working with indigenous communities Nubian Water Systems • • • • • Ecology • • • • • • • • • • • • • Pax Populus • • • • • RGS Environmental Pty Ltd • • • • • Sinclair Knight Merz • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • SLR Consulting Australia Pty Ltd • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • SMEC • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • SoundScience Pty Limited • • • • • • • Sustainable Solutions • • • • • • • • • Vipac • • • • • • • • • • Wilkinson Murray Pty Limited • • • WorleyParsons • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

24 sustainable MINING Photo courtesy of Fire and Rescue Australia SUST AINABLE MINNG 25 GOVERNMENT AND Local and 3. Australian Bureau of Statistics Cat No. Introduction 8104.0 Research and Experimental INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS international Development, Businesses (released INDUSTRY OVERVIEW The Department of Resources, Energy partnerships 11 September 2012). Accessed from provides advice abs.gov.au 5 April 2013. and Tourism (RET) The Department of Resources, Energy and policy support to the Australian INDUSTRY STRENGTHS and Tourism (RET) lists numerous 4. Department of Resources, Energy Government regarding Australia's examples of Australian companies working and Tourism, 2006. Leading Practice resources sector. Sustainable Development Program: ret.gov.au/resources/ with communities to help offset the impact FURTHER A guide to leading practice sustainable Pages/Resources.aspx of mining on ingenious communities. INFORMATION development in mining. Accessed from The Mining & Energy Services Council ret.gov.au/resources/resources_ ret.gov.au/resources/resources_ of Australia (MESCA) is an industry body programs/working_in_partnership/ programs/lpsdpmining/handbooks/ that represents and promotes a diverse case_studies/Pages/CaseStudies.aspx Pages/default.aspx 5 April 2013. range of skilled, innovative providers The following are some of the 5. Department of Resources, Energy and which include: capital equipment, The Working in Partnership (WIP) initiative, government and industry bodies Tourism. Social Responsibility in the contractor and consultancy resources, managed by RET, aims to support and Mining and Metals Sector in Developing involved in the Australian OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) encourage cultural change in relations Countries. Accessed from ret.gov.au/ mining industry. project management, engineering and between Indigenous communities resources/resources_programs/ MRO (Maintenance Repair & Operational) and the mining industry and promote lpsdpmining/Pages/default.aspx Contact your local Austrade suppliers to the energy and mineral long term, effective partnerships which 10 March 2013. representative about connecting resource industries across Australia. benefit all stakeholders.ret.gov.au/ 6. Austmine METS Survey 2013. mesca.com.au resources/resources_programs/ and partnering with the Australian austmine.com.au working_in_partnership/Pages/ mining industry. The Minerals Council of Australia WorkinginPartnership.aspx Other sources: Mudd, G M, 2009, (MCA) represents Australia’s exploration, The Sustainability of Mining in Australia: austrade.gov.au mining and minerals processing industry, Key Production Trends and Their nationally and internationally, in its References Environmental Implications for the Future. contribution to sustainable development 1. Geoscience Australia 2012. Australia’s Research Report No RR5, Department of and society. minerals.org.au Identified Mineral Resources 2011. Civil Engineering, Monash University and Austmine is an industry body Geoscience Australia, Canberra. Mineral Policy Institute. Revised April 2009. representing the Australian mining 2. United States Geological Survey. 2011 equipment, technology and services Minerals Yearbook: Bauxite and Alumina (METS) sector. austmine.com.au (advance release). Accessed from minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/ AusIMM (the Minerals Institute) provides commodity/bauxite/myb1-2011- services to professionals engaged in bauxi.pdf 8 March 2013. all facets of the global minerals sector. ausimm.com.au

26 sustainable MINING The Australian Trade Commission – Austrade – is the Australian Government’s trade, investment and education promotion agency. Through a global network of offices, Austrade assists Australian companies to grow their international business, attracts productive foreign direct investment into Australia and promotes Australia’s education sector internationally. Austrade helps companies around the world to source Australian goods and services. We can help you reduce the time, risk and cost involved in sourcing suppliers by: • helping you identify and contact Australian suppliers • providing insight on Australian capabilities • alerting you to the latest products and services out of Australia to help you grow your business. Austrade partners the strengths of Australian businesses with the needs of international markets. We can open the door to a world of opportunities for your business. austrade.gov.au

SUSTAINABLE MINING 27 austrade.gov.au