Improving social and enviromental performance in mining

The environmental impacts of mining are the subject of increased community scrutiny. In response to crucial environmental and community concerns we have invested over two decades of R&D developing science and technologies that help minimise environmental impacts prior to, during and post-mining, to support a sustainable future for the industry and society. Our social and environmental research is underpinning a responsible, shared approach to sustainable resource development in Australia and internationally. Our work aims to deliver positive environmental and social outcomes for industry, while maximising the value derived from resources for the benefit of all Australians.

Service highlight

mining and communities

Social license to operate

Through measuring and modelling the minerals industry’s social licence to operate we can develop benchmarks for social performance and allow stakeholders to engage with each other on the issues that matter.

Our work improving social and environmental performance

Social licence to operate

Through measuring and modelling the minerals industry’s social licence to operate we can develop benchmarks for social performance and allow stakeholders to engage with each other on the issues that matter.

Ranger Mine closure plan

We undertook a scientific evaluation of the potential long-term impacts from tailings wastes produced at the Ranger Uranium Mine, investigating whether the closure plan for a tailings repository was environmentally sound and aligned with regulatory conditions for approval.

Climate adaptation in mining

We developed CRATER (Climate Adaptation using Terrain Evaluation Results), a software and process tool which can assess a mine's vulnerability to extreme weather events, giving mine operators the ability to assess and evaluate climate adaptation and mitigation strategies to protect the environment and future proof their business.

Environmental science and engineering

The environmental impacts of mining are the subject of increased community scrutiny. In response to crucial environmental and community concerns we have invested over two decades of R&D developing science and technologies that help minimise environmental impacts prior to, during and post-mining, to support a sustainable future for the industry and society.

Green Asia indicators

Our work for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on Green Asia Indicators is helping guide sustainable development decisions in Asia-Pacific countries.

Groundwater impact assessment

We completed a comprehensive bioregional assessment in the Hunter Valley to evaluate the cumulative impacts of coal mining on groundwater giving mine operators data to support decisions on how they can modify operations to reduce groundwater impacts.

Mine wastewater treatment

We are using our expertise to develop technologies to help the mining industry effectively manage water use and minimise environmental impacts.

Vesi™ groundwater monitoring

Vesi™ is an advanced groundwater monitoring system, featuring revolutionary patented sensor technologies, capable of delivering continuous real-time data for multiple chemical and physical parameters.

Responsible resource development

We are providing the tools and knowledge for Australia to be a global leader in the stewardship of mineral resources.

Minesite environmental management

We are using our multidisciplinary expertise in environmental monitoring and management to minimise impacts from mining; developing new technologies and approaches for mine remediation and rehabilitation.

Monitoring evaporation in mining legacies

A new monitoring system being used at a mine in Western Australia's Pilbara shows promise for future mining legacy management, helping companies to monitor evaporation rates in mine pit lakes.

Social insights

We developed and commercialised a new science-driven approach to tackle declining trust in corporations, enabling companies to better manage their social licence to operate.

Australian attitudes: 2014

This national survey revealed the importance of mining to Australia and Australians in 2014 and uncovered a wealth of information on benefits and impacts of mining that contribute to public acceptance and the industry’s ‘social licence to operate’.

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