Waste

All of Rio Tinto Coal Australia's operations produce waste in some form, including mineral waste such as mined rock and tailings, general waste and non-mineral waste such as industrial waste such as scrap steel and oil.

Our approach

Rio Tinto Coal Australia has put in place procedures to minimise the amount of non mineral waste produced by our operations and responsibly manage and dispose of all waste.

All mineral waste is disposed onsite in accordance with our mining plans. Non mineral waste that is considered non-hazardous, is disposed of at local landfill facilities, using appropriately licensed contractors.

All wastes which are classified as regulated or hazardous wastes under the applicable legislation are segregated and disposed of, via licensed contractors, at designated facilities.

This approach not only limits our environmental footprint, but can have significant benefits, from savings in reduced energy consumption through to minimising future closure costs.

Waste management is also covered by Rio Tinto Coal Australia's environmental management system certified to the ISO 14001 international standard. All sites maintain a focus on recycling via training and reinforcing the waste management procedures across sites.

Results

In 2007, continuous improvement of Kestrel Mine's waste management system has increased recycling of non-hazardous waste by 84 per cent, from 585 tonnes in 2006 to 1076 tonnes in 2007. 

A glove recycling project was piloted at Bengalla mine.