Our environment
As the uranium rush in Namibia started taking off post-2005, concerns arose over the need to protect our country's hitherto unblemished record of no major nuclear incident. As a result, the Chamber of Mines set up the Uranium Stewardship Committee (USC) to address these issues and adopt a best practice regime for the industry, based on the World Nuclear Association's guidelines. The USC set up the Uranium Institute (co-funded by Rössing) in Swakopmund, the front door for any prospective uranium explorer, to act as the epicentre of the industry. With two uranium producing mines, more than 10 prospective mines and numerous mining licences issued, Namibia has entered a new frontier for uranium exploration and mining developments. Some early mining operations have left a legacy of negative environmental impacts, which still affects the public's perception of mining. Today, all mining companies need to plan for and deal with environmental impacts before, during, and after mining. Our reputation for acting responsibly is a critical aspect of our success and our ability to generate shareholder value. During 2010, our latest global code of business conduct, The way we work, first issued in 2003, was updated and rolled out in the Rio Tinto Group, including at Rössing. Our core values of accountability, respect, teamwork and integrity determine our reputation and define the way we manage the economic, social and environmental challenges of our operation. Continuous improvement of environmental performance is one of our HSE policy goals. Our improved understanding of the negative impact that environmental degradation can have on wildlife and human health is leading to higher and stricter internal standards of environmental management. Product StewardshipAt Rössing we are constantly investigating smarter methods to understand and reduce environmental impacts associated with our product. Product Stewardship is a programme of action based on the recognised need to ensure that our product is produced, used and managed throughout its life cycle in a socially and environmentally responsible manner to support goals of sustainable development and commercial goals of sustainable markets. In 2010, the Product Stewardship programme kicked off with a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study in compliance with ISO 14040. LCA is the compilation and evaluation of the inputs, outputs and potential environmental impacts of our product. The life cycle of uranium at Rössing starts off with exploration and includes operational processes such as mining, comminution, extraction, recovery, packaging, transport to customer, water recycling and tailings dam operations. It also includes processes outside our gate, such as supply of fuel, chemicals and drums to the mine in order to produce our product, uranium oxide (U3O8), and closure of mine. The LCA study included the transport of our product. Although an LCA study is not a legal requirement, implementing this initiative emerged from the awareness of the importance of environmental protection. The revised Rio Tinto Health, Safety, Environment & Quality (HSEQ) Management System standard includes the expansion of Product Stewardship aspects and the management of HSE risks associated with our product. This means that product management is now also covered within the HSEQ system. To successfully incorporate Product Stewardship into the HSEQ Management System, we prepared a Product Stewardship Plan in consultation with Rio Tinto HSE. The plan offers a detailed description of the Product Stewardship programme actions within the business. In 2010, the Green Procurement initiative was launched with interviews and training on the subject. Green Procurement is used to direct purchasing of products or services that have a reduced effect on our health and unique environment, when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose. This comparison applies to raw materials acquisition, production, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, re-use, operation, maintenance, or disposal of the product or service. Procurement employees' eager participation during the interviews and training demonstrated their commitment towards Green Procurement. ISO 14001 CertificationRössing has walked a 14 year journey since first starting to work towards conceptualising ISO 14001 Certification in 1996. We underwent our fourth cycle of ISO 14001 re-certification this year, and are proud to say that we have been successful in obtaining re-certification for the next three years. This was awarded by the certification body, Det Norkse Veritas (DNV), and gives recognition to our continued commitment to protect and care for the environment. In February 2001, Rössing was awarded certification for the first time, making it the second Namibian land-based mining operation to achieve certification. Through this, we are showing our commitment to excellence and improvement of the company's environmental performance. One key to the successful retention of ISO 14001, is the involvement of employees and contractors at all levels of the organisation – from management to the shop floor. Our Environmental Management System (EMS) is the point of reference for all environmental initiatives on site, and contains our HSE policies, standards and procedures detailing how tasks need to be performed. Our key environmental management programmes include:
We are assured of the implementation of our Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) policy and EMS, both internally and externally, by regular audits, reviews and reports. BiodiversityWith the aim of achieving a Net Positive Impact (NPI) by 2015, we are committed to ensuring that biodiversity within the larger spatial context benefits from the mine. This commitment means that all our activities and actions focus on minimising negative impacts on biodiversity, particularly on threatened and endemic species, and maximising positive impacts, such as opportunities for conservation. Minimising possible negative impacts requires a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity elements, as well as their intrinsic and societal values. During 2010, a long-term programme to monitor invertebrates on site was developed and established to improve this understanding. Two capturing events were monitored and Dr John Irish, a leading Namibian ecologist, assisted us in the analysis of the captured species. The monitoring of invertebrates will be extended into the wider landscape during 2011. A biodiversity restoration methodology for Rössing was developed and established in collaboration with Dr Antje Burke, another leading Namibian ecologist, during 2010. Restoration activities commenced during the third quarter and pilot trials to monitor restoration activities are set to commence during 2011. A Biodiversity Strategy and Biodiversity Action Plan were also developed and implemented during the year under review. The NPI goal is set as an operational target, and four initiatives were identified to achieve this goal. Activities to engage employees on site included celebrations of Biodiversity Day (2 July) and Arbour Day (24 November). On Biodiversity Day, information material was disseminated to encourage employees and contractors to get involved in the monitoring of species, to promote the protection of biodiversity and to minimise negative impacts on biodiversity. Arbour Day was celebrated with the theme "Plant trees to enhance biodiversity". One specimen of Sweet Thorn (Acacia karroo) and six specimens of Ghost Trees (Moringa ovalifolia) were planted on the mine site. Climate changeAs a measure of self-regulation, we are devoted to consideration of and adaptation to climate change risks, the setting of targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and reporting on greenhouse gas emissions. In 2007 it was estimated that Namibia contributed about 0.01 per cent to the global total of carbon dioxide (CO2) for that year, which ranked Namibia at number 129 on a list of 213 countries. The greenhouse gas emissions from Rössing were calculated at 243,237 tonnes of CO2 in the same year, which was the equivalent of about 8 per cent of Namibia's total. Every effort should be made to keep the country's carbon footprint small, to better understand and mitigate the impacts that can contribute to climate change. In this regard we can play a key role. In 2008, a risk assessment was done at the mine to create a drive towards considering and adapting to climate change risks. The risks were re-evaluated in 2009. We have been reporting our greenhouse gas emissions since 2003. Presently, we know the emission sources at the mine. We calculate and document emission on a monthly, half-yearly and yearly basis. Using the 2008 emissions as a baseline, our current target was set to conform to the predetermined Rio Tinto targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions per tonne of U3O8 produced with 10 percent by 2015, thus 52.57 tonnes CO2 per tonne of U3O8 produced. This was done before the latest Life of Mine plan was approved. In late 2009, and in considering the latest Life of Mine plan, the projected greenhouse gas emissions in CO2 for 2010 were calculated to be 61.45 tonnes per tonnes of U3O8 produced. The actual emissions for 2010 were 60.76 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of U3O8 produced. This was below the projected target if evaluated against the pre-Life of Mine plan, but above our target evaluted against the post-Life of Mine plan projection. Although the Rio Tinto pre-Life of Mine target was thus not met, the actual figure of 2010 indicates that we are following a trend of reduced product emission intensity as projected by the current Life of Mine expansion plans. We are dedicated to applying collaborative adaptation measures to the challenges of climate change in Namibia. As part of our commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions — while at the same time considering energy efficiency in Life of Mine forecasts and business valuations — special efforts were made in 2010 to develop the Climate Change Strategy and to better understand the climate change footprint and accurately set projected targets for the years to come. |
|
Air quality monitoringAn Air Quality Impact Assessment was conducted in 2009 as part of the Social Economic Impact Assessment for the proposed mine expansion. The assessment followed the methodology required for a specialist report, comprising a baseline characterisation and the impact assessment study. This is complimented by three weather stations that are situated at the mine and in Arandis. We are planning to set up a further dust monitoring station at the mine boundary in 2011 to monitor dust pollution that is emitted from the mine. |
|
Energy usage and GHG emissionsIn 2010, our energy usage was 172.14 megajoules per tonne (MJ/t) of ore processed. This was above the annual target of 136.10 MJ/t of ore processed, set to conform with the predetermined Rio Tinto targets. Our CO2 emission per unit of production was higher than the target, and 3,637.84 tonnes of uranium oxide was produced. The GHG emission intensity was 60.76 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2-e/t) of uranium oxide (U3O8) produced, with the target being 52.57 t CO2-e/t of U3O8 produced. We did not meet our emissions and energy intensity per unit of production targets because we mined less ore and produced less uranium than planned. This is a direct result of the fact that we are clearing waste on a big scale in order to expose ore at the pit bottom — an energy intensive exercise we will be engaged in for some years to come. |
|
Water useIn 2010, the mine used a total of 2,87 million cubic metres (m3) of fresh water, or 8,124m3 of fresh water per day (m3/day), while the operating plan target was 8,340m3/day. Water performance for 2010, therefore, was better than expected at a rate of 0.247m3/t of ore milled, against a target of 0.26m3/t of ore milled. This performance was due to the fresh water saving projects implemented last year and the continuous water saving awareness drive urging employees to use water sparingly. Compared to 2009, the fresh water demand decreased by 0.211 million m3. The operations of the Processing Plant and the disposal of the associated tailings are the biggest consumers of water at the mine. Tailings, which are the remaining crushed and milled ore rock from which uranium is extracted, are pumped to the tailings facility as a mixture of sand, fines and water. Water and the tailings solids separate after deposits, with most of the water forming a pool on the tailings facility. This water is then recovered for re-use in the rod mills. The predicted fresh water demand for 2011 has been set at 2.88 million m3, based on the improvements in water recovery systems and increased recycled water usage. Efficient fresh water use and supplyThe Namibian Water Corporation Ltd (NamWater) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry's Department of Water Affairs are responsible for the monitoring of the consumption of fresh water by bulk users and the status of the aquifers. We participated in the Coastal Bulk Water Users' Forum meeting where bulk users share relevant results and data pertaining to fresh water use. The aim is to conserve ground-water resources by sharing information and promoting water demand management, as well as possible projects such as sea water desalination. Saline water use and qualityThe abstraction of saline groundwater from the Khan River ceased on 30 December 2009, in line with our drive to promote water savings. In 2010, we continued to monitor and measure the vegetation and water levels in the Khan and Swakop Rivers as part of our internal water quality and vegetation monitoring programmes, as well as for legal requirements. |
|
|
|
Mitigation of exploration drilling environmental impactsWith the upward trend in uranium prices on the international market, and projected further increases, we could expand our operations. Associated with the expansion is the extension of the ongoing exploration drilling programme into areas of the existing Mine Licence Area (MLA) south of the Khan River, which overlaps with the Namib Naukluft Park (NNP). In line with our HSE policy and best practice, we adopted a precautionary and controlled approach to exploration activities in the area and compiled a Social and Environmental Management plan (SEMP). The exploration drilling SEMP aims to guide the responsible management of operations and to mitigate potential socio-economic and environmental impacts, as well as allowing for implementation and further development. An operational phase mitigation table was compiled to ensure that mitigation measures were adhered to. In June 2010, the Rio Tinto exploration team started drilling at the previously identified Z19 and Z20 exploration sites located in the NNP. Throughout the drilling process, we liaised with the relevant authorities to ensure that their requirements and concerns were considered. A further requirement of the SEMP was that employees from our HSE department inspect the site with an independent auditor on a bi-weekly basis for compliance purposes. One of the mitigation factors within the SEMP was that all drill sites should be rehabilitated. Environmental noise monitoringNoise monitoring is one of the activities which must be in line with the Group's environmental standards. We need to monitor noise arising from exploration and operations, including mining, mineral processing, materials handling infrastructure and on-site transport, because such noise may significantly impact people, communities and the sur-rounding environment. In order to meet this requirement, consulting electrical and acoustics engineers gave our environmental staff training on the operation, data interpretation and reporting of the sound level metre that was set up on the mine site. The monitoring programme will allow us to evaluate and prioritise noise sources based on the significance of their potential impacts on the surrounding environment and communities. The results will assist us to implement appropriate operational controls, as well as to verify compliance. Land use and rehabilitation"Mining and ore processing unavoidably generate large volumes of mineral waste which can have long-term social and environmental impacts. Rio Tinto will manage these impacts by minimising the mass of mineral waste that must be stored, limiting the waste's disturbed footprint, ensuring repositories are physically and chemically safe, and practicing progressive rehabilitation to return the land to productive post-mining uses. Rio Tinto aims to be an acknowledged leader in mineral waste management thereby serving the interests of the business, the environment and local communities." (Rio Tinto Mineral Waste Task Force, 2007) As mining of waste continued during 2010 at the southern pushback of the open pit to uncover future ore reserves, the resulting waste rock was deposited on the already existing rock dumps. Although most of the material could be accommodated by extending the height of the dumps, 10ha of previously undisturbed ground were covered with waste. Rössing is the second biggest producer of reactive mineral waste within Rio Tinto. Therefore, the same detailed planning is applied for disposing of the waste residues on the waste dumps and the tailings facility, as to economically mining the ore from the ground. During 2010, the rock disposal strategy was reviewed, incorporating the latest results of environmental work carried out at the mine site. The strategy ensures efficient operations, safe and stable slopes and dumps and an insignificant impact on valuable biodiversity and archaeological features found in the area. Since rock dumps are permanent landforms and visible from afar, care has been taken to design final shapes that will harmonise with the surrounding landscape after closure. We are not planning to backfill the current open pit. Exploration drilling continued in a number of areas on the Rössing mining grant, of which 72ha are overlapping with the Namib Naukluft Park on the southern side of the Khan River. A total of 1.4ha was disturbed and 0.8ha have already been rehabilitated during 2010. 1 hectare (ha) is an area measuring 100m x 100m. 100ha are equivalent to 1km2. Swakopmund covers an area of about 11km2 and Walvis Bay an area of about 14km2. Derailment of acid railcarIn November 2010, a Transnamib railcar transporting sulphuric acid destined for the mine, derailed at the Transnamib rail yard in Walvis Bay. No acid was spilt. The rail yard is an enclosed area with no public access and the incident took place while rail tankers were being shunted from the NamPort area to the Transnamib rail yard. No one was injured during the incident. Furthermore, the incident was managed promptly by all relevant parties according to set emergency procedures and practices. Our team of experts was also on the scene to give support and assistance, ensuring that the situation was managed in a safe manner. The incident did not affect the delivery of sulphuric acid to the mine. Sulphuric acid is used in the mine's extraction process to produce uranium oxide. Closure planningClosure planning is a continuous process at Rössing and plans for the mine have been in place since 1992. Changes in operational circumstances, environmental conditions, new legislative requirements and stakeholder expectations are considered when the plans are updated. The 2010 update considered changes in the cost of closure related to the change in costs of contractors and consumables needed to perform demolition and rehabilitation tasks. The social component of the plan considers retrenchment and retraining costs. This update included a new cost estimate of N$1,065 million to close the mine in 2023. However, new mine plans are being developed to continue operations beyond 2023, and a major update of the closure plan envisaged for 2010 will now be carried out in 2011, taking the new developments into consideration. The Rössing Environmental Rehabilitation Fund, which is an independently managed trust fund for mine closure purposes, stood at N$163 million at the end of 2010. The mine will make additional payments into the fund on an annual basis to eventually provide for the total cost of closure.
|
