The rehabilitation of an historic South-West mine and a project to recycle black pipe materials from Western Australian mine sites have won the Department of Industry and Resources' environmental awards.
Resources Minister John Bowler last night presented the Golden Gecko Awards to Sons of Gwalia and Jo Jo Plastics and Ruggies Recycling.
Alcoa of Australia was also recognised, receiving certificates of merit for two separate projects.
Mr Bowler said Sons of Gwalia deserved recognition for its rehabilitation project at the Greenbushes mine, 80km south-east of Bunbury.
"In close association with the community, Sons of Gwalia have implemented a program to identify and progressively rehabilitate the historic mine," he said.
"The program has provided positive environmental, social and economic benefits for the community."
The Minister also congratulated Jo Jo Plastics and Ruggies Recycling for its program to collect, shred, bag and remove all black pipe materials from mine sites around the State.
He said the pipe had previously been buried on site or accumulated in dumps as contaminated waste.
Under the program, shredded pipe could be used as a key ingredient in producing posts, curbing and bollards.
"These two projects go well beyond regulatory compliance with State environmental management requirements," Mr Bowler said.
"The companies have shown that they are good corporate citizens with a responsible attitude to the environment."
Alcoa of Australia received its certificates of merit for projects at its Kwinana Refinery and Huntly Mine, near Pinjarra.
At Kwinana, the company developed innovative technology to reduce residue alkalinity by mixing it with carbon dioxide.
At Huntly, Alcoa had based its new crusher site on sustainable development principles to ensure environmental, social and economical factors were closely integrated and applied throughout each phase of the site's life.
