BMC is committed to managing its mining activities in an environmentally
responsible manner and will pursue environmental excellence
by implementing best policies, systems and procedures to bring
about a continual improvement in Environment Management.
Pre-Mine
Surveys
Environmental management starts at planning for mining a new
ore body. BMC undertakes comprehensive pre-mine surveys. The
planning that goes into a new mine takes place many years
ahead of an actual plant move. The data from the pre-mine
surveys is used to optimise the mine path for minimal impact.
A number of environmental consultants of repute are engaged
to assist with these surveys. Pre mine surveys are used to
characterise the existing topography and Ecology of the entire
mine path. Topographic, vegetation, soil, fauna, cultural,
and hydrological surveys provide baseline data necessary for
planning and monitoring environmental management, and rehabilitation
requirements and development. The soil surveys are used to
identify depth, type and nutrient status and volume of the
soils present.
In-house experts directly assist in exploration,
projects, mining and processing operations to achieve environmentally
less impacting and cost effective production. Specialist environmental
personnel are employed to undertake various components of
the environmental management requirements.
A combination of satellite imagery, aerial
photography, ecological indicators and local knowledge are
used to determine the flora and fauna types resulting in a
complete description of the community types, structure and
density of species in the mine path prior to mining and is
used to develop the correct seed mix and plant out regime
for post mine rehabilitation.
Environment
Management
BMC is committed to effective environmental management in
all areas of the Company's business. It is working to achieve
best practices in managing the environmental and social impacts
of mining and mineral processing operations.
BMC aims at the re-establishment of former
mine sites to self-sustaining land uses or ecosystems. Reduction,
re-use and recycling strategies are implemented to optimise
waste disposal. Research is on to evaluate the feasibility
and cost of conversion of waste heat to electricity in the
process of pursuit of continuous improvement in energy use
and efficiency.
|
