A guide to leading practice sustainable development in mining

SUSTAINABILITY IMPACTS
Biodiversity:
The focus of the EIA was on preserving the habitat of the Gouldian Finch, an
endangered bird (see figure 10). Despite this focus, during the construction
period a contractor destroyed 14 ha of vegetation in the Yinberrie Hills
adjoining the new waste dump. The site contained several breeding hollows
in a salmon gum woodland. The outcome was outrage from the community
including the Gouldian Finch society and the mine was almost closed by the
regulator.
ARD:
Although not identified as a major issue in the Environmental Impact
Assessment, acid mine drainage proved to be the major environmental issue on
site. Sources include the open pit itself, and the waste rock (see figures)
Tailings:
The tailings storage facility developed leaks soon after commissioning.
Community engagement:
The joint venture between the mining contractor and the Jawoyn Indigenous
community that promised so much in terms of jobs and opportunities, ceased
prematurely. The outcome was a lack of trust between the local community and
mining companies.
Safety:
Although the safety record during construction was very good, one tragic
incident occurred when an employee, who could not swim and was unfamiliar
with conditions in the Top End, was washed off a bridge and drowned when he
attempted to cross a swollen creek during a flood. He was driving to the mine
site one morning.
A GUIDE TO LEADING PRACTICE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN MINING 65