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Mount Isa Mines
The responsible production and marketing of raw materials is complex and requires specialised knowledge and extensive experience. Our aim here is to give you a brief insight into the areas that are part of our day-to-day work. Find out how we aim to improve safety in the workplace, how we rehabilitate mines and how we engage with local communities, as well as what it means to exercise supply chain due diligence.
The health and safety of our employees and contractors is our top priority. Everyone should be able to return home unharmed at the end of their working day. We continuously work to minimise risks in the workplace and create the safest possible working environment for our teams. To do this, we also use specialised technologies. Here are just a few of them.
More technology, fewer collisions
We are working to minimise risks and improve safety in our mining operations by using selected technologies. We take a risk-based approach when introducing new systems. At some of our operations, we already have innovative safety technologies in place that can recognise dangerous situations and warn machine operators. In some cases, the system also accesses the vehicle control system and automatically stops the machine. In such cases we can prevent collisions even without human intervention.
Remote-controlled and autonomous
To protect our employees, we are testing both remote-controlled and autonomous equipment – blasthole drills, for instance, which are controlled remotely either directly on site or from a control room. In Chile, we use an autonomous drilling rig. While it is located in the hazardous location, our employees are not. We also intend to introduce autonomous haul trucks in the future.
What if something happens?
Despite all safety precautions, accidents can still happen. Unfortunately, some of them are very serious. When this happens, we believe it is vital that those affected are not left alone with what is often a very difficult experience. At our integrated nickel plant in Sudbury, Canada, for example, a team is specially trained to deal with such incidents. Together with psychologists, they can help those affected and their families to cope with the experience and return to their everyday personal and professional lives.
Mining always has an impact on nature. That is why we strive, from project planning to the closure of an operation, to reduce our impact through responsible environmental management. We have developed various controls and management systems to this end. These allow us to keep an eye on important environmental aspects of our operations such as air emissions, water and waste and take mitigation measures where necessary. Our work also includes the preservation of biodiversity and the rehabilitation of the land.
Rehabilitation and water treatment
KCC, our copper mine in the DRC, is partnering with the Faculty of Agronomic Sciences at the University of Lubumbashi on two environmental projects: the creation of an artificial wetland to clean the surface runoff from the mine before it reaches natural watercourses, as well as the reforestation of a 2,000-hectare area that has been severely affected by slash-and-burn agriculture and deforestation. As part of the reforestation project, miombo seedlings are being cultivated, which will next be integrated with the agricultural production of manioc. The local communities and the Open Forest Observatory NGO are involved in both projects.
5,000 hectares of restored biodiversity
Our Cerrejón mine in Colombia has so far rehabilitated over 5,000 hectares of former mining areas. For every hectare of land that has been impacted, six hectares of forest are required to be offset. Cerrejón is progressively working to meet this requirement, creating habitats for animals and plants. For instance, the jaguar has found its way back into the area. Tree nurseries have also been established. These produce some 600,000 native trees every year. The cultivation and planting of the trees has created around 500 jobs for members of the community, and there is now lively bird watching and hiking opportunities in the area.
Cerrejón Wildlife Centre
In 2007, Cerrejón launched a programme for the conservation of endangered species. Among these are the jaguar, needle caiman and chin spotted tortoise, which are important to the ecosystem and – with the exception of the jaguar – are bred at Cerrejón's wildlife centre. Wild animals in need of medical care are also cared for there. The aim of the wildlife centre is to later release the animals into a suitable habitat. For example, in the more than 25,000-hectare biodiversity corridor between two mountain regions of Colombia. Another goal is to raise awareness and impart knowledge to the population on how to deal with wild animals.
Protecting an endangered species
In Australia, a population of the near-threatened purple-crowned fairy-wren was discovered during the environmental impact assessment for our McArthur River Mine zinc operations. In order to protect the species, the company developed a relocation plan with the support of external experts, which was successfully implemented following approval from the environmental authorities. The relocation of the birds to a suitable area has now been completed, and continuous monitoring has shown that the relocated population is increasing. The knowledge gained from this relocation project is now being applied to other environmental programmes.
Our aim is to foster respectful and constructive relationships with the communities in which we operate and to support their socioeconomic advancement. For example, we recognise the importance of collaborative projects that promote agriculture, health and education. The creation of jobs and apprenticeships as well as the development of local supply chains are other key aspects. This also benefits the regional economy and can help it become less dependent on mining in the long term.
Fit for the job: the indigenous community Aurukun
Since 2014, we have been active in a bauxite project in the Indigenous community of Aurukun, in Queensland, Australia. Aurukun is extremely remote – and there is a high degree of socio-economic disadvantage. Many people suffer from health problems and are therefore unable to work. Together with the community, our local team launched the "Journey to JobFit" programme. What this programme does is support those taking part in getting fit for the workplace. It helps to both fill existing jobs in the region with local workers and give them a chance of getting a job at the planned Aurukun Bauxite Project.
A safe place
Unfortunately, gender-based violence is widespread in South African communities. After being assaulted, women and children are often victimised once again – for example by being blamed. To prevent this, the government launched the "Thuthuzela care centres" initiative. And this where we come in: together with the province of Limpopo and the Department of Justice, we have built the first independent Thuthuzela care centre. Victims of abuse receive immediate medical help there, are given objective advice and can file a complaint directly.
Everyone wins: local supply chains
In Peru, our Antapaccay mine has been supporting the local economy with a supply chain programme since 2013, with more than 120 local companies taking part. In the long term, strengthening a more diversified local economy should also minimise dependence on mining. The programme is complemented by training courses and technical support. From 2013 to 2023, Antapaccay has contributed over $500 million to the region's economy through local procurement. Jobs were created, relationships with the communities improved and the economic development of the Espinar province promoted.
Joining forces: the Lebalelo Water Users project
Together with other companies and the South African government, we have been working on the Lebalelo Water Users project. It aims to supply large mines and hundreds of thousands of people in the Limpopo province with drinking water – the current plan is to supply 250 million litres a day. The project extends over approximately 170 kilometres and is expected to be completed by 2030.
Our purpose is to responsibly source the commodities that advance everyday life. To achieve this, we take social, ethical and environmental aspects into consideration in both our company and our supply chain. Our guidelines, standards and procedures firmly underpin our commitment to upholding human rights, with reference to recognised international standards and recommendations.
Screening and empowering local suppliers
Supplier due diligence is about verifying that suppliers comply with our global guidelines and local legislation. In Colombia, for example, various teams, including internal and external experts, took part in the due diligence of our coal suppliers. Recommendations and individual plans for improvement were derived from the findings, and training opportunities were provided. Suppliers are usually positive about such measures and want to implement them, as this is the basis for further collaboration.
Supplier Code of Conduct
In our Supplier Code of Conduct, we describe our requirements and expectations of our suppliers. We may also take further measures depending on the risk, such as carrying out due diligence audits. In one case in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a potential supplier was still in the early stages of developing his business. Thanks to his willingness to cooperate, our experts were able to assist him in setting up management structures and processes. This enabled the new business to fulfil our requirements, as well as recommendations outlined in international frameworks regarding compliance with human rights, safety precautions, anti-corruption and anti-bribery.