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 provides holistic, integrated solutions for managing impact assessment and approvals. Our environmental and community planners, engineers and scientists work with you to understand your needs from concept phase through to decommissioning.

From the start of a project, we consider environmental and social factors to help you minimise potential impacts of a project, reduce approvals timeframes and compliance costs and increase community engagement and acceptance.

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