New voluntary environmental mining code

Two key mining bodies have joined forces to develop a voluntary Code of Environmental Practice for Mineral Exploration in WA.

The Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA and the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies code is complementary, but does not replace relevant State and Commonwealth legislation and statutory requirements.

The code provides practical guidance, to help mineral explorers meet their obligations and maintain a high standard of environmental stewardship.

"The Code has been drafted in order to provide practical and best practice guidance to assist mineral explorers to identify and meet their environmental obligations to maintain a high standard of environmental performance," said AMEC chief executive Simon Bennison.

"The Code also details the environmental management issues that should be considered before, during and after exploration activities.

"The Code should foster good relationships between explorers and that many stakeholders who may have a direct interest in the land that is being explored," he said.

CME chief executive Reg Howard-Smith said mineral exploration was the lifeblood of the WA mining sector, and a strong exploration program was vital in delivering future projects and jobs.

"The best exploration programs encourage positive relationships between the explorer, the landowner and the wider community - this Code will promote a better understanding between all parties," said Mr Howard-Smith.

See joint statement from CME and AMEC below:

The local mining industry is taking a proactive approach to protecting the environment, by developing a voluntary Code of Environmental Practice for Mineral Exploration in Western Australia.

Prepared by the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC), in collaboration with the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME), the Code provides practical guidance, to help mineral explorers meet their obligations and maintain a high standard of environmental stewardship.

AMEC Chief Executive Simon Bennison said the Code would also promote positive relationships between explorers and stakeholders, who had a direct interest in the area being explored.

"The Code has been drafted in order to provide practical and best practice guidance to assist mineral explorers to identify and meet their environmental obligations to maintain a high standard of environmental performance," Mr Bennison said.

"The Code also details the environmental management issues that should be considered before, during and after exploration activities.

"In addition to addressing a wide range of environmental management issues, the Code should foster good relationships between explorers and the many stakeholders who may have a direct interest in the land that is being explored.

"The Code is a genuine proactive and collaborative effort that reinforces the minerals exploration industry`s desire to maintain strong environmental credentials, that demonstrate its capacity to work in close harmony with environmental protection and biodiversity conservation values."

General principles include:
Promoting best environmental practice and performance within the WA minerals exploration sector;
Promoting regular and effective 'good neighbour' communication principles, and agreement of dispute resolution protocols;
Ensuring all relevant approvals and agreements are secured, prior to the start of on-the-ground exploration;
Identifying, addressing and minimising potential adverse impacts at all stages of the exploration process on native vegetation, flora and fauna;
Ensuring progressive rehabilitation and revegetation of areas disturbed by exploration activities; and
Making the Code available to all parties involved in the exploration of a mining tenement.

CME Chief Executive Reg Howard-Smith said mineral exploration was the lifeblood of the WA mining sector, and a strong exploration program was vital in delivering future projects and jobs.

"Almost every explorer wants to become a producer or play a role in developing an economic project - their work is crucial in creating the mines of the future," Mr Howard-Smith said.

"The best exploration programs encourage positive relationships between the explorer, the landowner and the wider community - this Code will promote a better understanding between all parties."

Exploration can range from geophysical surveys and hand sampling through to drilling and underground exploration.

A pocket version of the Code has been developed for use by mining and exploration companies, drilling contractors and many other stakeholders that support the industry. An expanded version is available at www.amec.org.au or www.cmewa.com.

The Code, which will be subject to ongoing improvement, is complementary, but does not replace relevant stringent State and Federal legislation and statutory requirements on tenement conditions; or individual environmental management plans and strategies.