Finalists in WA’s Golden Gecko Awards Announced

WA’s Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion said this year’s six finalists were excellent examples of industry striving for environmental excellence.

“All of the submissions have demonstrated exceptional environmental management over a diverse range of projects,” Mr Marmion said.

“Western Australia is recognised as the world’s most attractive mining and petroleum investment destination and it is important government and industry work together to ensure the responsible development of our resources sector.”

This year’s awards ceremony will take on a new format, as a ticketed event open to all of the resources industry, for the first time since the launch in 1992.

The event will be staged in two parts: a brief seminar where finalists will present their submissions, followed by a networking event where the Golden Gecko winner will be announced.

“I take this opportunity to congratulate these finalists for their outstanding work in leading the industry with innovative environmental practices,” the Minister said.

The 23rd annual Golden Gecko Awards will be held at the Duxton Hotel, Perth, on October 9, 2014.

The six finalists for WA’s Golden Gecko Awards for Environmental Excellence are:

1.  Newcrest Mining Limited – Telfer Gold Mine

Copper Concentrate Storage Facility

Construction of a copper concentrate storage facility at Telfer that prevents the migration of copper concentrate from the existing facility.  This was achieved through detailed dust modelling, and significant re-engineering of conventional structures for application in the Pilbara desert.

2.  Geo Oceans Pty Ltd. – Perth

GO Visions Marine Habitat Mapping and Monitoring Technology

R&D project that rapidly assesses and monitors large areas of coastal marine habitats that may be impacted by an oil spill event.  The GO Visions technology makes collecting marine habitat data more efficient, safer and accurate.  The system comprises image analysis software, cameras, accurate spatial positioning systems and other sensors that are mounted on towed and Remotely Operated Vehicles.

3.  Argyle Diamonds Limited – Argyle Diamond Mine

Maximising the use of renewable energy at Argyle Diamonds

Argyle Diamonds have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 23,300tCO2-e per year at the Argyle Diamond Mine.  This was achieved through optimising the efficiency of hydro power usage during normal mining operations and the seasonal dewatering process.  This has resulted in a 30% reduction of hydro power usage and a 21% decrease of onsite diesel consumption.

4.  Environmental Rehabilitation WA (ERWA) – Mt Ida

Mt Ida Magnetite Rehabilitation Project – Beyond Best Practice Exploration Rehabilitation

A rehabilitation strategy for the Mt Ida Magnetite Exploration Project.  ERWA reinstated the natural landforms of Mt Ida back to its physical pre-disturbed form.  The rehabilitation will also reduce the chances of erosion of rehabilitated sites and re-established nearby creeks, gullies and drainage lines.

5.  Franmarine Underwater Services and Department of Fisheries – Henderson

In-Water Hull Cleaning System

A system that can vastly reduce biosecurity risks and the carbon footprint associated with large marine vessels.  The project eradicates marine biofouling of Large Marine Vessels using an in-water treatment, vessel encapsulation and cleaning technologies.  This eliminates biological risk to the environment and any damage to the anti-fouling coat.

6.  Evolution Mining Edna May Operations – Project: Eremophila resinosa Translocation Program

Evolution Mining, in conjunction with the Kings Park Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority has developed an Environmental Management Plan for Eremophila resinosa in order to protect and mitigate any disturbance to the rare species during mine expansion.  The project, involving several separate translocations, is based on leading and evolving scientific discoveries and innovative horticultural practices which have improved our knowledge of the biology of the species and its cultural requirements.  This is the first instance that E. resinosa has successfully been propagated and translocated outside of a controlled environment.