Environmental aspects and impacts

Environmental aspects and impacts

In the process of mining and mineral processing, land is transformed, ground- and surface-water are potentially affected, resources are used, substances are emitted into the air, wastes are generated and there is interaction with local communities. We therefore have an impact not only on the physical environment but also on the social and economic environments in the areas where operations are located. 

In order to deal with these environmental challenges and impacts effectively, the environmental management of our mining and beneficiation activities is guided by our policy and strategy, which includes a vision to minimise harm to the environment through a process of engagement, review, advice and action.

Aspects of mining and related activities interact with and impact the environment in a variety of ways. Such environmental aspects are elements of an organisation’s activities, products or services that may interact with the environment, causing impacts. The impact may be any change, whether adverse or beneficial, wholly or partially resulting from significant environmental aspects. Mining and associated activities, such as concentrating, smelting and refining, use a mix of renewable and non-renewable resources. The environmental aspects and impacts in this report are confined largely to actual operations and do not consider all the impacts related to external aspects.