Xstrata’s new corporate social-involvement initiatives include a $1 million sponsorship of the Newcastle Regional Museum, $460,000 for the construction of the Singleton Visitor Centre, $230,000 for the Hunter Valley Training Centre and $100,000 for the establishing of an all-abilities playground for Singleton.

Men Exploring New Directions, an initiative from Lifeline, will also receive an $80,000 grant from Xstrata to help the service reduce domestic violence and family breakdowns in the Upper Hunter Valley.

Xstrata will also chip in $300,000 over three years to help the Hunter Medical Research Institute develop programs to combat depression among men in the Hunter region.

“This year’s investment of about four million dollars will assist our CSI partners to make a substantial difference to the quality of services and facilities currently available in the local area,” Xstrata NSW chief operating officer Mick Buffier said.

He added the communities funding was part of a total of $9.7 million CSI commitment across NSW and Queensland.

Other projects receiving funding fell under categories of community, culture and art, education, enterprise and job creation, environment, and health.