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Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd (Cliffs) operates the Yilgarn Operations, which includes the mining or iron ore deposits at the Windarling Range, Mt Jackson Range and the Koolyanobbing Range, processing of ore at Koolyanobbing, and road and rail transport between these operations and the Port of Esperance where the processed ore is exported to international customers.
Policy
To minimise the potential impacts to these values, mine operations are undertaken in accordance with Cliffs’ Environmental Policy and an AS/NZS ISO 14001:200-certified Environmental Management System (EMS).
Cliffs’ Environmental Policy outlines the overarching objectives for environmental protection and continual improvement in environmental performance. Cliffs’ EMS provides a structured framework of Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) and Environmental Operating Procedures (EOPs) for key environmental matters.
Management
Environmental management is coordinated by the manager, environmental services. Environmental management at the mine operations is overseen by the environmental superintendent with support from our environmental engineers, environmental advisors and environmental technicians. Cliffs also engages a range of specialist environmental consultants to assist with a range of environmental and mining matters.
Approvals
Cliffs obtains environmental approvals for its operations under relevant Commonwealth and State environmental legislation. Cliffs’ environmental approvals include those granted under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (C’th), Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA), Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WA), Mining Act 1978 (WA) and the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914 (WA).
Community Consultation
In 2004, Cliffs established a Community Reference Group (CRG) to provide community input on particular environmental aspects of the Koolyanobbing operations. The CRG includes representatives from government agencies, community environmental groups, pastoral leaseholders, and members of the indigenous and non-indigenous community. The CRG meets biannually to discuss the progress of Cliffs’ mine operations and environmental performance.
The Terms of Reference for the CRG regard:
- The provision of community feedback and input on the environmental aspects of the Windarling Range and Mt Jackson Range mine operations
- The translocation, rehabilitation and survival of Tetratheca paynterae, restricted ecological communities and other flora of conservation significance at the Windarling Range and Mt Jackson Range mine operations.
New Projects
Cliffs continues to develop new mining projects in the Yilgarn region. These new projects include development of the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit (commencing 2011) and development of the Deception Deposit (commencing 2013). These new projects will be undertaken in accordance with the existing environmental management controls applying to Cliffs’ Koolyanobbing operations.
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