The Environment and Social Responsibility team work closely with BGM’s Community Environment Committee, established in July 2006.

The objectives of the committee are to:

• Inform the community on BGM environment related issues;


• Provide feedback on the environmental performance of BGM and its contractors;


• Identify and participate in environmental improvement projects; and


• Encourage participation of young people in local environmental activities.
  

1. How will you manage forest hygiene procedures during the expansion operations or with any clearing?
The spread of dieback at BGM has been minimal because of the implementation of stringent forest hygiene procedures. Dieback mapping is conducted every 3 years and no increase in dieback affected area, other than natural spread, has been noted. Less than 5% of the BGM lease area is infected with dieback.

2. How much clearing will be required by the proposed project?
About 250ha has been cleared for the expansion project. The additional clearing has been offset by a land swap with the State Government.

3 . Does BGM intend to rehabilitate areas disturbed by mining and residue disposal?
Yes, BGM is committed to rehabilitation of areas disturbed by mining related activities. Trials to date on our current residue areas indicate that species from Wandoo woodlands and swamp/heath areas and more waterlogging/salinity tolerant species from the Wheatbelt and Swan Coastal Plain are likely to be the most successful on residue rehabilitation.

4. How soon after mining is rehabilitation with native vegetation to be carried out?
Rehabilitation is conducted as soon as areas are no longer prospective or required for future mining activities. BGM has been conducting rehabilitation since 1991, and will continue throughout the life of the Boddington Gold Mine Expansion Project on areas that have been completed. However there will be substantial areas that require rehabilitation on the completion of the expansion.

5. How will you manage cyanide on site?
The project design includes a cyanide destruction process (which effectively decreases the cyanide concentrations to low levels) and a lined Residue Disposal Area. The project will build on the effective processing procedures used at BGM for more than 15 years. Improved technologies and proactive management strategies will ensure this positive track record in cyanide management will continue. The BGM owners are also both signatories to the Cyanide Code and all the requirements of the Code will be catered for in the design of the project.

6. What will be the noise impacts from the proposed Boddington Expansion operation?
Modelling shows that noise limits will be beneath the regulatory level of 35dB (A) at the nearest residences. BGM is committed to complying with the regulatory noise levels and will prepare a noise management plan in consultation with neighbouring residents.

7. What is planned for the mine at the end of its life?
BGM is committed to working with the local community to consider a range of land uses for the rehabilitation and closure of the mine. Investigation will be required from both a technical and community perspective and will form part of an ongoing consultation process. This consultation has already begun with the establishment of the BGM Community Environmental Committee.