Minmetals Resources Limited 2011 Sustainability Report (PDF)

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CASE STUDY: Business and Biodiversity Offset Project (BBOP)A BBOP will protect and enrich plant and animalspecies beyond where the mine operates.Miners are usually interested in rock samples. However,over the last year, Sepon has also been collecting samplesof something rather different: animal dung. Elephants,gibbons and other important species can be found ineastern Savannakhet province, where the mine is located.Collecting dung samples is just one of the methods used toestimate animal populations and assess habitats aroundthe mine.In partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society(WCS), a BBOP is being developed. BBOP compensatesfor the likely impacts on biodiversity from mining withinitiatives to protect and manage species and habitatsbeyond the places where the mine operates.Developing the project involved identifying species ofanimals in the area, mapping their habitats, evaluatingthreats to them and deciding an appropriate offsetmeasure (usually investment into the enhancementof biodiversity in another vulnerable location).Around 30 species of animals were identified aspotential candidates for conservation, including anumber of International Union for Conservation ofNature (IUCN) Red List endangered species. Theirpresence was confirmed through a review of previousassessments, recorded sightings by camera trap andconversations with local hunters.Siamese crocodile enhancement projectSepon’s Siamese crocodile conservation work withthe Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is highlysignificant as only 100 of the species are believedto be left in the wild in Laos.Since 2008, Sepon has been working with the WCSto promote the conservation and enhancement of theSiamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis), which is anIUCN Red List species. While not found inside the minearea, crocodiles are found in the western portion of theSavannakhet Province, and elsewhere in Laos. Year 2011was the third year of the project, which has includedhabitat mapping, location of animals and nests, habitatenhancement and community education. In May 2011,a Siamese crocodile nest was discovered containing 20eggs, which was highly significant as only 100 suchcrocodiles are believed to be left in the wild in Laos.In late August 2011, the eggs were taken to VientianeZoo to raise the juveniles in captivity for 18 to 24months. They will be released into the wild when theyare large enough to fend off predators.Sepon elephant population updateThe size and genetic diversity of the Seponelephant population is of national significance.Sepon has also been researching Asian elephant (Elephasmaximus) populations in the immediate region aroundthe mine to develop a better understanding of thepopulation and habitat requirements. This is oneof a handful of such scientifically rigorous populationassessments conducted in Laos. Two areas of the minesite are considered to be “hot spots”, with elephantsfrequently sighted by Sepon employees and localfarmers. The research uses DNA techniques to analysedung samples and identify individual animals. Onehundred and forty-two dung samples were analysed,and a statistical test was carried out to estimate thepopulation size of 51 animals.A juvenille Siamese crocodile.© Liz Leyden/iStockphotoThe Asian elephant.60
CASE STUDY: Sustainable development in action in a unique locationIn 2011, MMG embarked on a project to trial“best-practice” stakeholder engagement, safety andenvironmental responsibility in the development of atrial pit at a satellite ore body.The South Hercules deposit is located in a unique andsensitive alpine environment, 7 kilometres from, and 700metres higher than, the Rosebery mine and township onMount Hamilton.The ore body was originally discovered 40 years ago andsits along a strike of the historic adjacent Hercules mine,which operated from 1894 to 1986. The two sites arelinked both environmentally and through futuredevelopment potential.The challenges facing the project include environmental,safety, access, stakeholder relations and operational issues,just some of which are:» Climate – well above the winter snow line withtemperatures frequently below zero;» Water management – up to 4 metres of rain per annum;» Winds in excess of 120 kilometres per hour;» Threatened species including the Grooved Cheeseberryand the Toothed Orites;» Unique stands of hybrid King Billy and Pencil Pines,which only occur where King Billy Pines and PencilPines are located in very close proximity;» Access by a steep single-carriage track, which requireda significant upgrade to allow truck movement;» Acid mine drainage issues from the Hercules minelegacy site and the potential for similar issues fromthe proposed South Hercules development;» Visual scarring and land degradation; and» A variety of interested groups including environmentaland government stakeholders.The Grooved cheeseberry (Planocarpa sulcata).Development of the site included engagement ofstakeholders, communication of issues, engagementwith the workforce, and senior management support.Results include:» Minimal disturbance to the environment in all aspects,from the road upgrade through to water treatmentplant design and test pit excavations;» Successful translocation and protection of somethreatened species such as the Grooved Cheeseberry;» Installation of an innovative modular and relocatablewater treatment plant;» Development of a communications trail with signsdetailing both mining and natural heritageinformation;» Development of an upgraded access track along thesame route as existing 4WD-only access track, withminimal disturbance to sensitive vegetation, andincluding passing and emergency run-off bays; and» Good health and safety results, including zero injuriesto date and a total non-smoking site.We aim to rehabilitate the Hercules site, facilitated by theimproved access to and profitable development of SouthHercules.Checking acid mine drainage at Hercules.SUSTAINING OUR ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE RESPECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT WORKING WITH OUR STAKEHOLDERS HEALTH AND SAFETY OUR PEOPLE61
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Social licenCe to operate > Our soc
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Page 18 and 19: FEATURE CASE STUDY:Making an impact
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Minmetals Resources Limited 2011 Sustainability Report (PDF)

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