Public Statement:
Xstrata Mount Isa Mines has reported substantial decreases in five of the six emissions compounds to the NPI database in 2008/09 for which it was the top emitter the previous year. These decreases in lead, zinc, arsenic, antimony and cadmium were partly due to an increased volume of sampling which has improved confidence in emissions estimates. Sulphur dioxide emissions were slightly higher, due to shutdowns by Incitec Pivot’s acid plant which takes sulphur dioxide gas from the copper smelter and turns it into liquid sulphuric acid. This acid is a key component in fertiliser manufacturing. Xstrata Mount Isa Mines operates two separate mining and processing streams, copper and zinc-lead-silver, at Mount Isa. Together the company’s mines form one of the largest underground mining operations in the world. This significant operational footprint is comparable to the sum of multiple individual mines and industrial facilities listed on the NPI. Xstrata Mount Isa Mines is committed to reporting its sustainability performance and we aim to minimise the environmental impacts of our operations. The health and safety of the Mount Isa community is Xstrata's number one priority. The NPI provides data solely on emissions at the source and does not measure emissions into the community. It also does not take into account the comprehensive measures in place at Mount Isa to limit potential impacts of these emissions on the environment and local community. Xstrata’s Air Quality Control Centre (AQCC) plays an important role in monitoring emissions in the Mount Isa community. The AQCC, first introduced in 1975, is a state-of-the-art monitoring system that incorporates 15 monitoring stations throughout Mount Isa to monitor ambient air quality levels. These real-time monitoring stations ensure the AQCC can shutdown smelting operations well in advance of any adverse weather conditions affecting emission levels in the local community. Mount Isa has one of the most intensive air quality monitoring system of any city in Australia with every resident in living no more than 1,200 metres from a real-time monitoring station. We also welcome independent air monitoring by the Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) in Mount Isa. This new monitor will supplement our world class air monitoring system in Mount Isa which continues to provide data to the DERM. We support any additional steps which increase public confidence that Mount Isa is a safe place to live. Xstrata Mount Isa Mines continues to operate within its current licence limits and we are working with the Queensland Government to implement the upcoming changes to our environmental regulation. We have invested over $200 million on over 80 environmental improvements in the past six years. Since 2000, when the acid plant was commissioned, sulphur dioxide emissions from our copper smelter have been reduced by around 76%. Xstrata Mount Isa Mines is undertaking a wide range of environmental initiatives, including the Smelter Emissions Project and the Lead Pathways Study. The Smelter Emissions Project, established in July 2007, is continuing to assess the feasibility of further capture and treatment of sulphur dioxide emissions and heavy metals emissions from the copper smelter and lead smelter. Xstrata has commissioned an independent Lead Pathways Study to examine potential sources of lead in the community – including both naturally occurring minerals and those from mining operations. The Lead Pathways Study is a comprehensive research program being conducted by the University of Queensland’s Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation in collaboration with the National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology. Xstrata is committed to this study and will continue to keep the community informed of the study’s progress. For more information on Mount Isa Mines please visit www.xstrata.com or contact our 24-hour Community Relations Line on freecall 1 800 336 297.
