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How have environmental considerations changed over time?
In the modern era, safety and environmental awareness are primary considerations. Legislation continues to reflect this. Environmental considerations are a necessary part of project definition, planning and operation. The table below illustrates the environmental considerations of modern mining compared with the practices of the original Martha.
left: The large equipment used in modern mining is a major contrast to the picks and shovels of last century.
EARLY MINING MODERN MINING
LEGISLATION, STANDARDS & GUIDELINES No legislation to protect the environment and communities. No standards & guidelines for protection of the environment. (e.g., water quality guidelines) Legislation exists to ensure that environmental considerations are taken into account during project planning & operation. Technical knowledge of the environment is improved, standards & guidelines based on scientific research reflect this.
AVOIDANCE, REMEDYING & MITIGATING OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS Little thought given to avoiding, remedying or mitigating the effects of mining. A primary focus of legislation, conditions set, project planning, & environmental management.
WASTE DISPOSAL Tailings deposited into the Ohinemuri River. Tailings deposited within an engineered embankment.
WATER DISPOSAL Waste water discharged untreated into the Ohinemuri River. Stringent limits on water discharge quality and quantity. Emphasis on reducing, reusing & recycling water to minimise waste water volumes. Water Treatment Plant located on site.
COMMUNITY Consultation with the community not carried out prior to, or during, mining. Community consultation is a major part of the modern mining operation. As part of the permitting process for new projects, individuals can lodge submissions under the RMA. Community liaison & response to complaints & concerns is an important part of the operation. A Company Liaison Officer is dedicated to this task. Mine tours & open days allow the public to view the operation first hand.
REGULATORY AUTHORITIES No conditions set, so no regulatory agencies. Regulatory agencies, Waikato Regional Council & Hauraki District Council carry out independent monitoring & ensure that conditions are adhered to.
INDEPENDENT EXPERTS No independent environmental experts. Independent peer review panel oversees various aspects (including construction of embankment structures & open pit design) & reports to Regulatory Authorities.
SUSTAINABILITY & FUTURE GENERATIONS No evidence of any thought given to sustainability. Emphasis on leaving landforms that are safe, stable & self sustaining.
REHABILITATION & CLOSURE No requirement to rehabilitate sites once mining was completed. Buildings, shafts & mullock heaps were merely abandoned. Areas often revegetated naturally over time. Long term ownership & land management not considered. Rehabilitation & long term ownership & management of the land are important issues.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Not carried out. Environmental management is an integral part of the operation. Specialist environmental staff are employed, and the emphasis is on making all staff aware of their environmental obligations through inductions and ongoing training.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING Not carried out. Environmental monitoring commenced well before modern mining to collect baseline information on the environment. An extensive monitoring system now exists on site. Opportunities to make improvements are identified by the monitoring.
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