Ramelius has an Environment Policy outlining principles and commitments to ensure its activities are conducted in a responsible manner. It operates inaccordance with the State and Federal legislation and aims to ensure environmental outcomes are consistent with the expectations of its stakeholders.
Click HERE to view our Environment Policy.
Ramelius recognises that its operations are in some of the most water-deprived regions of WA, characterised by hot, dry climates with variable annual rainfall. We value water as a crucial resource for both our operations and the surrounding communities and ecosystems.
Our goal is to achieve optimal water management by maximising reuse and utilising sources with no other beneficial users. We do not withdraw freshwater across any of our sites. Water use efficiencies are achieved by effective infrastructure maintenance programs; and the reclamation of water from tailings storage facilities (TSFs) for re-use in the processing circuit and mining areas.
We comply with water licencing conditions to ensure our operations are ecologically sustainable, environmentally acceptable, and considerate of current and future water needs. We record groundwater abstraction volumes and conduct water quality testing to monitor impacts. Before issuing groundwater licences, hydrogeological analyses are performed to assess associated risks. Annual Groundwater Monitoring Summaries and Audit Compliance Reports are submitted to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
Putrescible Wastes and Recyclables
At Ramelius, each operation manages waste products according to Environmental Protection licences. Ramelius' priority is to manage putrescible wastes generated by stream and recycle goods as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. At sites with licensed landfills, putrescible wastes are buried. Waste oils, grease and other hydrocarbon-contaminated wastes are taken to a dedicated licensed management facility for disposal or recycling. Several sites feature bioremediation pads to neutralise hydrocarbon contaminated soils through biological processes. Effluent from wastewater treatment plants is also managed properly.
A formal Hazardous Materials procedure is in place detailing requirements for the purchase, transport, storage, use and disposal of hazardous substances and dangerous goods at Ramelius' exploration sites. When disposing of hazardous materials, substances undergo a risk assessment. Records of hazardous materials received, stored, and disposed of are maintained, in accordance with the Hazardous Chemical Management Procedure. Ramelius undertakes internal audits of waste management to ensure compliance with statutory requirements. The volume of wastes is measured and reported in the National Pollutant Inventory reporting and in accordance with relevant laws.
Tailings Storage Facilities (TSF)
Ramelius oversees multiple TSFs at Mt Magnet Gold Mine and Edna May Gold Mine. These facilities are designed in accordance with the Tailings Dam Code of Practice and classified by an ANCOLD hazard ratings based on risk levels. Ramelius completes regular inspections and an annual geotechnical auditing of its operating TSFs. Each TSF has a dedicated Operating Manual detailing safe and environmentally sustainable procedures, monitoring and reporting requirements, trigger levels and corrective actions for any potential deficiencies.
Additionally, compliance audits are conducted to ensure our operating strategy and monitoring protocols effectively detect any environmental risks. Audit reports are lodged with relevant regulators demonstrating our compliance with all conditions. Regulations also require Ramelius to use independent TSF consultant engineers for the design and annual inspection of its TSFs as well as requirements for the provision of information, instruction, training, and supervision that assures the integrity of facilities and the occupational safety and health of personnel working at them.
The chosen location, design, construction method, operational strategy, monitoring and surveillance, emergency response planning and rehabilitation of each TSF undergoes a rigorous risk and environmental impact assessments prior to approval. Specialist engineers are engaged by Ramelius to ensure all factors that can potentially impact the long-term performance of each TSF are considered and addressed. The design process is complex and ensures the integrity and safety of each TSF during; operation; extreme weather and events; and decommissioning.
The potential for acid rock drainage (ARD) impacts to the surrounding environment is measured periodically at TSF monitoring bores designed to detect any seepage leaching into groundwater. Mined waste rock characterisation studies are undertaken prior to the approval to construct any waste rock landforms (WRL). The studies analyse the physical and geochemical characteristics of waste rock which informs the WRL design. Where potentially acid forming materials are identified, WRL designs are modified to encapsulate sulphides. It is acknowledged that Ramelius operates in regions that are unlikely to have climate conditions conducive to producing acid drainage.
Ramelius conducts mine closure according to approved closure criteria and outcomes. Progressive rehabilitation activities are undertaken at our sites to minimise erosion and regenerate vegetation across disturbed areas. These efforts align with our approved Mine Closure Plans (MCP) which formalise the process of planning, managing and decommissioning mining projects to an agreed post-mining landscape. In Western Australia, submitting an MCP to the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) is a legal requirement.
Land Function Analysis is used to monitor the health and condition of rehabilitated sites to measure progress toward achieving the agreed post-mining landscape. Consideration is given to environmental, social, and economic factors from an early stage of mine development and throughout the life of projects. Our decision-making process for planning and implementing closure-related activities is guided by a risk and opportunity-based approach, and we engage with stakeholders to fulfil these commitments. Disturbance and rehabilitation data is reported to DEMIRS annually and Ramelius pays a levy in accordance with the Mining Rehabilitation Fund Act. Approved MCPs are publicly available through online system MINEDEX – maintained by DEMIRS.
Ramelius acknowledges the potential for environmental impacts from its activities and is committed to minimising harm. Operating across diverse natural environments, we manage biodiversity impacts in line with compliance obligations and adhere to licences, permits, approvals and environmental law. Each new project and operational expansion is subjected to a rigorous environmental impact assessment, with biological surveys conducted to establish baseline values for managing environmental impacts.
Ramelius seeks to protect fauna, flora, and vegetation so that biological diversity and ecological integrity are maintained. We understand and monitor biological values, taking proactive measures to minimise environmental impacts. Regular monitoring ensures compliance with relevant licences and permits, and we compare data against baselines to measure environmental impacts and rehabilitation success.
The Edna May Gold Project was granted approval to clear up to 16.6ha of native vegetation for the development of the Greenfinch project in 2019. The project was assessed by the EPBC Act due to the potential threat to EPBC Act-listed species and ecological communities. The project commenced in January 2020 and a total of 11.5ha of native vegetation was cleared including 7.5ha of Eucalypt Woodlands.
To compensate for the unavoidable impacts of removing up to 16.6ha of native vegetation, an Offset Plan was developed and approved to revegetate 75ha of ex-farmland. Additionally, Edna May Operations committed to the protection of a remnant 15ha block of Red morrel and the placement of a conservation covenant over the revegetated farmland. Finally, Edna May would provide $10,000 per year for two years to the Shire of Westonia for the purpose of funding activities in the Westonia Common Management Plan.
Click HERE to view the Company's Annual Reports, where more information can be found on the Greenfinch Projects.