Environment

Aurelia acknowledges that the nature of our operations can have significant environmental impacts. We are committed to environmental stewardship including conservation of biodiversity, efficient use of resources, pollution prevention and minimisation of environmental impact.

We also recognise that climate change is a significant challenge and presents various risks and opportunities. As a result, we are committed to building resilience to climate change risks, and minimising and managing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as other climate change impacts. Click here to read more about our approach to climate change.

Green Rules

Aurelia Metals’ Green Rules are four rules to guide individual behaviours in our efforts to protect the environment and our communities. Since their implementation, minor non-compliances to our licenses and approvals have significantly decreased and awareness of the importance of protecting the environment has increased.

Never breach the ground, disturb vegetation, or drive off formed roads unless authorised to do so by the Environment Department.

Never intentionally discharge hydrocarbons or hazardous materials to the ground outside a bunded area.

Never intentionally discharge process/potentially contaminated water to the ground outside a bunded area.

Never intentionally harm or interfere with wildlife unless authorised to do so by the Environment Department.

Tailings and waste rock management

Our operations generate tailings (mineral processing residues) that are stored in purpose-built Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs).

Aurelia operates central-thickened TSFs at Hera Mine and Peak Mine and a perimeter discharge TSF at Dargues Mine.

The TSF designs are informed by industry experts for the local meteorological, topographical, and site-specific conditions.

We reduce risks by utilising fit-for-purpose construction techniques, and daily, monthly and annual inspections.

All sites have completed a dam break analysis and have Pollution Incident Response Management Plans in place.

Biodiversity

We are conscious of our impact to biodiversity within the ecosystems we operate.

To minimise our impact, disturbance is reduced wherever possible by maximising the space we have and by using existing infrastructure whenever possible. If we are unable to avoid impacts to biodiversity, we offset our impacts through the NSW Government Biodiversity Assessment Methodology.

Aurelia’s biodiversity offset property, ‘Chelsea’ was approved by the NSW Government. This is the first biodiversity offset property to be setup on a Western Land Lease in NSW and also the largest in in the state.

Environmental performance case studies

Exploration and environmental best practice
Read More…
Biodiversity in action: the Chelsea Biodiversity Offset Area
Read More…
Response to significant rainfall at the Dargues Mine
Read More…
Water management best practice at our Hera Mine
Read More…
Reportable Environmental Incidents
Read More…