AREEA members Glencore Xstrata and Barrick (Australia Pacific) have been recognised as leaders in environmental responsibility at a NSW Mining awards ceremony held during its annual Environment and Community Conference last week.
Announced at the 2013 Environment and Community Excellence Awards, Glencore Xstrata was acknowledged for developing an integrated system to improve noise and quality awareness and management across its Hunter and Western coalfields mines.
Barrick was nominated by delegates to receive the People’s Choice Award, following the successful closure and rehabilitation of its Timbarra Gold Mine near Tenterfield in Northern NSW.
BHP Billiton Mt Arthur Coal received commendation for its Warrae Wanni Pathways to School program, aiming to develop social skills and learning opportunities for pre-kindergarten children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Finally, Yancoal’s action on noise pollution was also acknowledged with the Quiet Achievers award. At its Moolarben Coal Project near Mudgee, the organisation implemented rubber mats in dump trucks to replace steel boards to reduce noise impacts.
More than 300 delegates attended the ceremony and award winners were judged by a panel of experts from a number of organisations, including the New South Wales Environmental Protection Authority and the Australian Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility.
