Presentation of new Golden Gecko Awards for Environmental Excellence

28/8/97

3 get Golden Gecko awards

The Kings Park and Botanic Garden Science Laboratory, prospector Lindsay Stockdale and BHP Petroleum were presented with the new Golden Gecko Awards for Environmental Excellence by Mines Minister Norman Moore tonight.

The award to the Kings Park laboratory was for its contribution to developing technology assisting environmental research.

Kalgoorlie-based prospector Lindsay Stockdale received his award for his commitment to the excellent environmental management of mining operations on a small scale and BHP Petroleum for its commitment to adopting an ecological approach to environmental management.

Mr Moore said they were chosen from a record 21 nominations.

Five Certificates of Merit also were awarded.

These went to:

·      Australian Resources for its continued efforts to improve environmental management at its Gidgee minesite;

·      Argyle Diamond Mines for its integrated management approach to identifying and resolving environmental management issues relating to hydrocarbons;

·      Mt Morgans Gold Mine for its proactive approach to environmental management at its operations near the Mt Margaret Community;

·      Robe River Iron Associates for its continued efforts to achieve high standards of rehabilitation at its Pannawonica operations; and -

·      a joint nomination between Resolute Ltd, Titan Resources and ecologia Environmental Consultants for their efforts to develop a conservation and management research program to ensure the preservation of the Mulgara (a rare and endangered mammal).

"The cross-section of the industry represented by this year's nominations demonstrates the breadth of interest in improving environmental management practices in Western Australia," Mr Moore said.

"Mining in this State is no longer merely concerned with what can be taken out of the ground, but, just as importantly, what can be put back afterwards."

The Minister said that the range of nominations highlighted the contribution the industry was making to the preservation of our natural environment.

"The 1997 nominations are a reminder that all operators can make a significant contribution to excellence in environmental management, irrespective of the scale of their budgets and resources," he said.

"Six years after the introduction of the original Awards for Environmental Excellence in the minerals and petroleum industry, we have entered a new phase with the adoption of the Golden Gecko symbol and name.

"The gecko was chosen to represent the need to balance a fragile environment against the pressures of a modern world."

Mr Moore said the awards recognised those who had exceeded compliance and achieved results beyond acceptable standards.

Media contact: Lisa Holland-McNair, Department of Minerals and Energy, 08 9222 3572, or Hartley Joynt, Minister's office, 08 9321 1444.