Social Impact Assessment

Every three years a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) is carried out to gauge the impact Newmont Waihi Gold has on the local community. Our last assessment was carried out by Q & A Communications in 2006. The report details are available here.

This year the SIA will be undertaken by the University of Queensland's Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining (CSRM).

Collecting quantitative and qualitative data, the SIA identifies and compares actual impacts with community perceptions about those impacts. The study also ascertains the community's priorities. With a greater understanding of community expectations, values and perceptions NWG is better able to mitigate negative impacts and enhance opportunities to make a positive contribution to the community. The SIA is an important resource and reference when developing business and communication plans.

In an effort to ensure that the SIA will address relevant community issues and opportunities, NWG sought volunteers from the Waihi Community Vision to act as a steering group for the SIA. One of the steering group's roles is to assist in writing the terms of reference from a community perspective. Therefore community input into addressing the scope and deliverables of the SIA had community direction from the very beginning. This has two very real outcomes. Firstly, the company can be assured that the scope of its assessment meets the concerns and issues the community would like examined. Secondly, it means that both the company and community can work collaboratively towards resolution of identified issues and take advantage of identified opportunities.

The CSRM team will be arriving in Waihi in mid May to confirm process, timelines and methods for capturing community views. If you would like to have your voice heard on opportunities or issues and be interviewed by the research team please contact Newmont Waihi Gold.

The Newmont Waihi Gold community engagement line is attended 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

0800 NEWMONT (0800 639 6668)

Cyanide

What is cyanide?

Cyanide is a general term for a group of naturally occurring chemicals containing carbon (C) and nitrogen (N). Cyanide containing chemicals are produced by many plants and organisms as part of their normal metabolism and also for repelling predators.

The word cyanide originates from the Greek word Cyanine meaning blue. These compounds are what make your blue jeans blue!

What is Cyanide Used for?

Newmont Waihi Gold, like many gold mines, uses a stable solution of sodium cyanide to dissolve the gold in the ore.

Cyanides have been used in synthetic dyes, the manufacture of nylon, plastic glass, perfume, soaps, fertilizers, paints and animal food supplements. These compounds are also used in pharmaceuticals, including heart medication and surgical dressings to promote healing and reduce scarring, in anti-cancer preparations and in drugs to reduce high-blood pressure.

Electroplating and surface coating is another important use of cyanide. Examples include gold plated jewellery and dinnerware.

Regular monitoring of cyanide concentrations in the tailings storage facility pond water occurs to predict peaks in cyanide levels that may affect birds.

Monitoring our tailings storage facility includes regular counts of bird species. Birds inhabit the pond water and tailings 'beach'. We keep a bird book in hand to check on any new species that may have come to visit.

Routine monitoring shows that there are continually high wildlife numbers, with up to 600 birds during winter months.

From tailings dam to lake and wetland

Water quality at Waihi Gold's decommissioned tailings storage facility has achieved levels capable of supporting aquatic life. Only rainwater has been added to the facility since 2004. The water quality has improved to the extent that since November 2007 it has been allowed to discharge directly to the Ohinemuri River.

The outflow is continuously monitored for turbidity, conductivity and pH and is periodically tested for a wide range of parameters to ensure that its quality remains suitable for discharge. This is an important milestone for the operation. Lessons learned regarding water management will be used in the continued operation and eventual closure of the current tailings storage facility.

Cyanide's Bad Rap!

A widely misunderstood chemical, cyanide has received a bad rap over the years. The use of cyanide in hard rock mining is one area which can stir the emotions of the public.

History

The historic cyanide tanks at Union Hill.

The first commercial gold cyanidation plant in the world was established at the Crown Mine at Karangahake in 1889. By 1892 there were six plants using cyanide on the Ohinemuri Goldfield, plus others at Thames and Coromandel. The process was a great success as the recovery of gold and silver improved from 40-50% to 85-95%.

Managing CN

Cyanide is rarely persistent in pond water because it breaks down when exposed to UV light. Levels in the tailings pond need to be below 50 parts per million to protect bird-life. Cyanide levels in both storage ponds are well below this level.

The company is required to monitor for cyanide in the seepage water collected under the tailings storage facility, in the Water Treatment Plant discharge, and in the Ohinemuri River. All seepage and pond water from the tailings storage facility area flows to the Water Treatment Plant where any cyanide is destroyed before the water is allowed to discharge into the river. A series of monitoring bores around the downstream side of the tailings storage facility are designed to detect a change in water quality, should seepage occur.

Treated water discharges to the Ohinemuri River, an area of high recreation, scenic and fishing values. Cyanide is monitored in the Ohinemuri River and Ruahorehore Stream where limits have been set to protect recreation and ecological values. Cyanide is also monitored in the water treatment plant prior to discharge, to ensure that concentrations are below the consent levels.

What about spills?

Spill prevention is paramount to our operations. All ponds and pads are lined with impervious material and all pipelines and storage areas have secondary containment systems to prevent leakage and spills.

Using CN Safely

Cyanide is one of the world's most toxic chemicals, but with safe handling, it can be used at the processing plant without harm to operating staff or the environment. Personnel involved in the transport and handling of cyanide are fully trained in all safety aspects. The mine rescue team also participates in regular mock emergency drills to ensure they are prepared for emergency situations.

The International Cyanide Code

Newmont Waihi Gold has an active programme in place to improve and standardise cyanide management onsite. The code is a voluntary industry programme for companies involved in the production of gold.