The two mines were recognised for their contribution to the Upper Hunter River Rehabilitation Initiative (UHRRI), a $3 million five-year partnership project between state government, local industry, universities and the community that aims to rehabilitate an eight kilometre stretch of the upper Hunter River - creating habitat for native plants and animals and improving the ecological health of the river.
Hunter Trust Catchment Manager Sharon Vernon said the Trust hosted the awards to recognise and encourage excellence in environmental management in the mining industry.
“These awards are about raising the bar for environmental management in the Hunter mining industry by rewarding efforts that go above and beyond what is required by mining legislation,” Vernon said.
Vernon said the outstanding feature of the winning nomination was the commitment of the two rival mining operations to a unique strategic partnership for environmental improvement.
“Mt Arthur Coal and Bengalla Mining Company have each committed part of their prime river frontage to the project, along with significant cash support that will help fund research programs running in-conjunction with the project,” she said.
“Their contribution and cooperation makes them vital partners in this major initiative to improve river system health in the Hunter, across Australia, and potentially, around the world.”
Vernon said the awards were linked to the Hunter Catchment Blueprint – a ten-year plan guiding actions and investment in sustainable management of the Hunter catchment.
“Award nominees are asked to highlight their contribution to improving river system health, land degradation, native vegetation, biodiversity and salinity – the five issues that form the basis for the Blueprint.”
“Demonstrating a clear commitment to consulting with local communities is also a key criteria for the awards.”
Ms Vernon said all 2003 award finalists highlighted the commitment of the Hunter coal industry to improve its environmental management and develop strategic partnerships.
Finalist awards were also presented to Camberwell Coal, Coal and Allied Operations, Ulan Coal Mines and Warkworth Mining with Coal and Allied’s Hunter Valley Operations receiving a merit award.
The Ulan operation, comprising an underground and open cut mine, was recognised for its innovative use of 4-6 megalitres per day of surplus mine water. The problem arose when Ulan’s discharge license was changed to ‘nil discharge’ - hydrological and regulatory reasons prevent the mine using the innovative Hunter River Salinity Trading Scheme for surplus water.
After four years of assessment, modelling, and community consultation, Ulan’s $7 million large-scale solution to its excess water problems is the Bobadeen Irrigation Scheme.
Surplus mine water is now used to irrigate 242 hectares planted with vigorously growing perennial pastures and by using time-controlled beef cattle grazing methods, the pasture is maintained at optimum levels - maximising plant transpiration and irrigation efficiency.
Wider plans for the scheme will also see native vegetation re-established and protected, and its accomplishment of nil discharge to the Goulburn River has resulted in its nomination as a federal pilot program in the area of green offset policy development.