Imerys Minerals Australia Awarded for Environmental Actions
Earth resources operators Imerys Minerals have been recognised for their commitment to sustainable development through the 2009 Strzelecki Awards.
Announcing the awards last night at the Brumby Labor Government-sponsored Resources Victoria Conference, Energy and Resources Minister Peter Batchelor said this year’s winners were:
Medium Sized Earth Resource Operation Category - Imerys Minerals Australia for its water recycling scheme at its Pittong Mine, about 35 kilometres south-west of Ballarat, and its donation of an unused facility for users of the Ballarat to Skipton rail trail;
Mr Batchelor said the Strzelecki Awards were about recognising and encouraging the sustainable development of Victoria’s earth resources.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to encourage industries to incorporate environmentally-sustainable practices into their operations through initiatives such as the Strzelecki Awards,” Mr Batchelor said.
“The Strzelecki Awards recognise companies that are taking sustainable development beyond what is required through legislation and showing a genuine commitment to the communities and environment where they operate.
“This year’s winners have proven they are leaders in sustainable development and I hope they provide an example to other resource operators about how projects can be undertaken.
“Imerys Minerals Australia mines Kaolin products at its Pittong Mine and it was awarded for two projects – its innovative water recycling scheme, and the refurbishment of company facilities for public use along the Ballarat to Skipton rail trail.
“Imerys identified a water source, at its former open cut mine in Lal Lal and then organised water testing and infrastructure development to provide additional water to one of the region’s major water supply reservoirs.
“The company has also donated to the local council an unused office facility at the Pittong plant, which, thanks to Imerys’ staff volunteering their time, has been converted into a free sleep-over shelter and toilet along the Ballarat to Skipton rail trail,” Mr Batchelor said.
About the Strzelecki Awards
Established in 2005, the Strzelecki Awards recognise outstanding achievements in the area of sustainable development within the Victorian earth resource industries.
The Strzelecki Awards are jointly administered by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and the Banksia Environmental Foundation.