Waste

More than 85 per cent of waste recycled

Our approach

Our operations produce mineral waste such as mined rock and tailings from coal processing and non-mineral waste such as scrap steel, oil and general waste.
Mineral waste is disposed onsite in accordance with our mine plans. Mineral waste management may take the form of 'backfilling' areas which have already been mined or the placement of waste rock or overburden in stable landforms on top of natural topography.  Finer mineral waste materials may be pumped to waste storage dams which are then capped and rehabilitated. The management of mineral waste is dictated by the characteristics of the waste involved.

Our sites operate comprehensive non-mineral waste management systems that include day to day management of all major regulated and industrial waste streams. The system focuses on correct waste handling, storage, segregation, recycling and reuse of materials. Non mineral waste that cannot be recycled and is considered non-hazardous is disposed of at appropriate landfill facilities, using licensed contractors.

Hazardous non-mineral waste that cannot be re-used or recycled is collected and sent off site for treatment and specialised disposal by licensed contractors. The off site treatment and disposal facilities used are audited to ensure that the wastes are appropriately disposed.

To continually improve our waste management performance, employees are provided with regular training and awareness on different aspects of waste management. 
This approach limits our environmental footprint, reduces energy consumption and minimises future closure costs.

2009 performance

During 2009 our operations produced more than 9,000 tonnes of non-mineral waste, about 85 per cent of which was recycled and would have otherwise been placed in offsite landfill.