Reducing Our Environmental Footprint

Mining is a temporary use of the land which occupies a very small proportion of the total NSW landscape. However, mining operations have the potential to impact on the surrounding environment in the regions in which they operate.  The NSW minerals industry is committed to minimising the environmental impacts resulting from mining and minerals processing.

At a minimum, the industry must meet the requirements set out in the NSW and federal regulatory framework.  Mining projects undergo comprehensive assessment processes before they are approved, which ensures an appropriate balance of environmental, social and economic outcomes.  Proponents are required to prepare detailed environmental assessments that address the full range of potential impacts on aspects such as water, biodiversity, air quality, noise, greenhouse gas emissions, subsidence, significant natural features and amenity.  The assessments also address social and economic considerations, such as local employment and changes to the social fabric of local communities.

Mine operators are required to implement ongoing management plans and monitoring programs to ensure the necessary systems are in place to manage impacts within the levels that have been accepted and approved by government.  Management plans allow the industry to adapt if impacts are approaching approved limits.  For example, if air quality monitoring indicates that dust levels are approaching the limits set out in a mine’s approval, a reassessment of the mine’s dust management techniques will be undertaken.  This could lead to operational changes such as additional watering of unpaved roads.

Mining operations are required to report on their environmental performance and are also subject to independent audits.   These are transparent mechanisms through which the government and the community can monitor a mine’s operations and ensure compliance with various operating and licence conditions.

In addition to regulatory compliance, mining companies understand that to operate successfully they need to maintain their ‘social licence to operate’.  A ‘social licence to operate’ means operating with the acceptance and support of the community.  This social licence is gained by continually working to understand and meet the community’s expectations of the industry, and sharing the benefits of mining with the community.  It leads to many mines going well beyond compliance with the minimum regulatory requirements.  A social licence to operate is particularly important when mines operate in close proximity to communities, towns and cities.

The principles of sustainable development are central to the industry’s operations.  Guidance has been developed at global, national and state levels to help mining and minerals processing operations implement sustainable development practices within their organisations.  Examples include the International Council on Mining and Metals’ Sustainable Development Framework and the Minerals Council of Australia’s Enduring Value.  The Australian Government has also developed a range of handbooks in its Leading Practice Sustainable Development Program for the Mining Industry series.  These guidance materials help companies go beyond compliance with minimum regulatory requirements to develop and maintain their social licence to operate.

It wasn’t always this way.  Mining and management practices have changed enormously over the past few decades and continue to evolve in line with growing community expectations. The mining industry works closely with the government to continually improve effective regulation of the industry. The industry also continually looks for ways to improve the way it operates and works with communities to achieve better overall outcomes in mining regions.

Further information on water, rehabilitation of mined land and local noise, dust and visual impacts is contained in the following sections.

Internal Link

NSWMC Policy and Advocacy – Environment

External Links

Australian Government – Leading Practice Sustainable Development Program for the Mining Industry Handbooks

International Council on Mining and Metals

Enduring Value – The Australian Minerals Industry Framework for Sustainable Development