Safety & Environment

Austral Resources is committed to upholding exceptional safety and environmental standards. 

• Austral Resources successfully navigated wildfires that broke out across its leases. The response was well-coordinated and prioritized protecting property, land and the surrounding environment. This focus on both safety and wellbeing emphasised the importance of preparedness and responsiveness to natural disasters.
• The heap leach SX and EW processing system relies on diesel due to the high amperage required but has a lower carbon footprint than conventionally smelted copper sulphide.
• Austral has implemented “wobbler” sprinklers and a “dripper irrigation” system to irrigate the heap at the Anthill Mine, projected to save up to 30% of makeup water. This builds on existing water recycling practices, including using treated sewage water and water from disused pits.
• Progressive Rehabilitation Closure Plan is in place, as well as $37.8 million in bonds for end of life environmental obligations.

Austral employee-led Environmental Initiatives:

• Phasing out of single-use plastic containers on site, replaced with steel containers for all employees
• Collection of recyclable cans and bottles at Mt Isa Containers for change, with proceeds feeding into the Austral Social Club.
• Installation of industrial dishwashers on site for cleaning and sanitising steel containers

Onsite Health, Safety and Wellness Initiatives:

• Upgrade of site telecommunications, Telstra for site and Starlink for Camp, enabling better communications for employees and their family and friends.