Traditionally, the risk of acidic materials was measured by conducting static testing only, or limited kinetic tests such as AMIRA leach columns. In recent years, mining companies carrying a risk of acidic or metalliferous waste materials are often required to…
Adaptive Management – Does it Work?
I talk about continual improvement as if industry will instigate it. However, government departments are constantly reviewing their systems and processes to determine what works and what doesn’t work well. Changes to ensure continual improvement often occur and have an…
Area Managers – An Environmental Compliance Course for You!
Are you are a team leader working in the resources industry? You are responsible for managing important activities, while ensuring that your team implements the procedures to keep them safe and stay compliant. You are the expert in this field…
Risk and First Impressions
A long time ago, I visited a mining operation. I won’t mention which one but when I entered this site for the first time I was really impressed by what I saw. The site had clear boundaries and healthy vegetation…
Environmental offsets: Using cost-benefit analysis to pave the way forward
I was SO IMPRESSED by the quality of information in this document that I needed to bring it to your attention: Priority Threat Management for Pilbara Species of Conservation Significance by Carwardine et al (2014). This report is a wonderful,…
Confession
As someone who likes to go against herd mentality and challenge what we do with the goal to improve environmental performance in our industry, I admit that recently I didn’t take my own advice. In previous blogs, I’ve promoted the…
Dust – they say it’s not impacting the vegetation!
Have you heard this before? Have you been to mine sites where a layer of dust covers the vegetation alongside the road? Have you seen a busy exploration area where no dust management is in place and yet it covers…
Have you been made redundant?
About 2 years ago, I found myself voluntarily unemployed. Prior to that, I began a job that left me frustrated and not meeting my expectations. I walked away, which is unusual for me as I’m usually stubborn about these things.…
When Communities Speak
A very powerful message could not be avoided as I drove south from Geraldton. It was a message from the Greenough community to industry, the general public and government, that they do not want fracking in their jurisdiction. In fact,…
Forward Planning and Preparation for Approvals
Most of our business planning occurs on a year by year basis. However, there are aspects that require more than a years notice. This is particularly important to the Approvals process. For example, being able to demonstrate that you…