The project, which included the re-establishment of Maryland Creek, illustrates that land used for mining can be rehabilitated effectively for future alternative use.

Barrick Cowal Gold Mine also won the community award for its work on the Lake Cowal Gold Mine proposal. The first gold was poured on the mine in April this year, 23 years after exploration commenced at the site.

The project included an historical Native Title Agreement with the Wiradjuri Community and saw the establishment of the Lake Cowal Foundation, an independent body to protect and enhance the environs of Lake Cowal.

Barrick also won the People’s Choice Award, which was voted on by the 253 delegates attending this year’s conference.

The winners were selected from a field of 10 finalists by a panel of judges representing industry, government and the community.

Centennial Coal won the highly commended award in the community engagement section, for its work on the Tahmoor Colliery mine subsidence management plans.

In the environmental field, Advitech took out the highly commended award for its work on the integration of continuous environmental monitoring at the Mt Owen Coal Mine.

The theme of the event, Face Up, recognises the need for the industry to continue to work to meet the changing expectations of the wider community, in the areas of community engagement and environmental management.

NSWMC chief executive Dr Nikki Williams said the quality of nominations from mining operations across the state had been overwhelming.

“These awards are all about recognising the great work that many organisations are doing in the areas of environmental management and community engagement. The purpose of the awards is also to promote industry best practice, with the aim of continual improvement across the entire industry.

“The industry recognises that the community is well informed and well educated about the potential impacts of the mining industry on the environment and the local communities in which it operates.

“The rapid growth of this conference, up by almost 30 percent on last year alone, is reflective of how seriously the industry takes its responsibilities in this area.”

The winners were announced at a gala dinner at the Novotel Northbeach Hotel in Wollongong, which also marked the opening of the conference.