The working experience, local networks and expertise of our consultants is proving invaluable for meeting commercial and environmental agendas in this sector.

No-one wants to get caught without capturing all the project impact issues or community acceptance. The need to correctly meet environmental legislation is an added challenge, which can bog us down in paperwork or protacted negotiations.

Many mining companies have recognised the benefits of help with navigation through these issues – and Rural Solutions SA is perfectly placed to assist.

Meeting environmental guidelines
Steering a sure and swift course through the environmental planning process often needs a pilot. Rural Solutions SA consultants can take the time and hard work out of this vital planning and approvals stage.

Our proven approach in understanding Government regulations – coupled by the fact that we are Native Vegetation Council (NVC) approved – means that our customers can be confident that all relevant documentation and processes are dealt with to meet legislation requirements.

The process involves:

• Initial site visit;
• Document preparation – with aerial photography if necessary;
• Review of soil, vegetation and land management issues;
• Preparation of Native Vegetation documentation and Significant Environment Benefit options;
• Submission to NVC presented jointly with the customer;
• Recommendations and management plans;
• Negotiates with Government agency staff;
• Joint project management option.

“Having access to people with local knowledge and expertise in environmental and legislative process often makes the difference between success and costly delays."

Experience with indigenous groups
An understanding of indigenous issues and community needs has proven crucial to companies seeking mining exploration licenses on titled land. Helping match a mining company’s plans to the cultural values and needs of the local community is a skill mastered by this team – matched by its ability to negotiate or mediate successfully with individuals, groups, organisations and government agencies.

Community consultation

The Indigenous Services team within Rural Solutions SA has extensive links and networks with Indigenous groups in SA. The team have been involved in providing advice, support and facilitating interactions with Indigenous communities, agencies and the government in the Natural Resource Management (NRM) portfolio for the last four years.

Consultation has occurred in all areas of the state from the Adelaide region, Eyre, Rangelands to the remote Anangu Pitjantjatjara lands. Rural Solutions SA has developed and project manages several projects across the state involving ongoing Indigenous engagement in the integration of NRM and the capacity building of Indigenous groups in areas of governance and NRM boards in cultural awareness.

Contact: Jason Downs

Protecting the environment

Our consultants have extensive experience in land, water and vegetation management, project planning and project management skills where they are often called on to resolve potential environmental problems.

The mining and resources sector has witnessed how this team can bring a multilevel approach to a problem and provide invaluable mediation between companies and local communities.

Extensive on the ground experience - coupled with quality research data and cross – sector expertise - means that Rural Solutions SA is well qualified to develop and drive initiatives for change.

Contact: Wayne Brown

Pollution mitigation at mine site

The pyrites mining operation at Dawesley Creek was causing the leaching of acids into downstream water and community concerns were naturally very high.

Focusing on the 25-km stretch of the Creek, the Rural Solutions SA team put an environmental impact plan into action, commissioning and managing remedial and containment works.

This included revegetation activities along the creek and extensive consultation with the local community.

Local knowledge and networks - and a professional and thorough approach resolved the issue – maintaining both mining operation and a healthy environment.

Contact: Tim Herrmann.