The Northern Territory Government has today released the Independent Monitor's Audit Report on the environmental performance of the McArthur River Mine, as part of our commitment to robust regulatory practices and sustainable development.
The report covers the operating period 1 May 2021 to 30 April 2022 and includes the Annual Environmental Performance Audit Report (AEPAR) and summary Annual Report Card.
Key findings of the report were presented directly to the Borroloola community in November 2022, by the Independent Monitor, Advisian Pty Ltd.
Findings of the report include the following:
· a high level of overall performance and compliance achieved by both the operator and regulator.
· 97% overall compliance by MRM with the Mining Authorisation conditions and 98% for Waste Discharge Licence conditions. In particular a big improvement was noted in waste rock handling requirements with better Overburden Facility design and improved systems.
· The Department has a strong focus on key potential environmental risks and a practical approach to compliance and monitoring.
· Overall the Independent Monitor found that the McArthur River and its tributaries were in good health, with MRM continuing to avoid environmental risks by proactively managing and monitoring environmental issues.
· The actions of the operator and regulator have protected the health of the McArthur River from mine related impacts.
Quotes from Minister for Mining and Industry, Nicole Manison:
"I am pleased that the Independent Monitor has reported a continued and high level of overall performance for both the operator and regulator of the McArthur River Mine.
The Department has continued to regulate the mine within conditions of authorisation, focussing on high risk activities to protect the health of the McArthur River from mine related impacts.
The Independent Monitor found the McArthur River and its tributaries to be in good health.
McArthur River Mine is the largest operating mine in the Territory, employing 1,2000 people, these results provide continuity for the mine's ongoing operation and certainty to the large workforce it employs."
Quotes Attributable to MRM Manager of Business Strategy and External Relations Adam Hatfield:
"We welcome the release by the Minister of the Independent Monitor's (IM) full Annual Environmental Performance Audit Report, which has again found high levels of compliance at McArthur River Mine, as well as an overall improvement in the environmental performance and management of our operations.
The report confirms our ongoing commitment to protecting the environment and the positive progress we continue to make."
Most importantly, the report found the McArthur River and its creeks continue to be in good health and the fish are safe to eat.
We remain committed to operating responsibly and to making a positive contribution to the communities where we operate. The IM has provided a detailed and thorough review of MRM's environmental performance."
BACKGROUND:
The role of the Independent Monitor is to provide independent assessment of the environmental performance of the McArthur River Mine. This is undertaken through review of:
· Environmental performance and monitoring activities of the mine operator (McArthur River Mining)
· Regulatory activities undertaken by the mine regulator (Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade)
The next audit will cover the period 1 May 2022 to 30 April 2023, with the next Annual Environmental Performance Audit Report (AEPAR) and Annual Report Card to be submitted to the Minister in October 2023.
The Independent Monitor's Audit Report, the Annual Report Card, and the responses from MRM and the department are available online (along with all previous reports) at here
Northern Territory Government
