Bauxite Mine Enviro Impact

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GHD have been working with Chalco Australia, a commercial arm of the Aluminium Corporation of China, in their tender and approvals for development of the Aurukun Bauxite resource in north Queensland.

This included initial site assessments, preparation of the environmental components of the pre-feasibility study and preparation of environmental approvals for both the mine and refinery components of the project. Key to the approvals will be Environmental Impact Statements currently in preparation for both sites.

There are a number of issues to be considered on the Aurukun site: protection of waterways, loss of access to traditional lands (for hunting, camping and cultural maintenance), direct and indirect employment opportunities and protection of cultural sites.

The proposed port development has the potential to not only impact on areas of reef and seagrass, but to indirectly impact on the local community’s subsistence economy by affecting dugong, fish and turtle habitat close to Aurukun.

GHD has worked in partnership with the traditional owners, the Wik Waya, during the project including inclusion in fieldwork programs, social research and production of a film looking at cultural association with the mine site. Issues for the refinery study will include protection of the adjacent wetlands, minimising impacts on the marine environment and the social impacts on the small township of Bowen.

EIA & Approvals

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GHD is recognised for providing holistic and integrated solutions in managing and preparing project impact assessment and approvals. Our environmental and community planning specialists, engineers and scientists work to better understand complex issues associated with our clients new developments – from concept phase through to decommissioning. This approach delivers better environmental and social outcomes, and reduced approvals timeframes and compliance costs.

GHD focuses on the identification of potential environmental constraints and opportunities in the early stages of a project. This allows environmental and social factors to be reflected in the development of the project and mitigation measures to be devised to minimise potential impacts. In doing so, community acceptance is maximised and delays in implementation are significantly reduced.

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