South Australia’s mining expansion over the next 20 years should provide substantial opportunities for delivering environmental management programs, according to leading consultancy business Rural Solutions SA.

General Manager Michy Kris was one of the speakers at the Mining South Australia conference held at Whyalla last week.

The conference was told growth in the industry would reach the $20 billion mark and face massive shortages of skilled labour and infrastructure.

Mr Kris said while these would certainly be major issues another real area of concern was environmental management.

“Not only will integrated environmental management programs and systems need to be implemented, but regional communities will need support in adopting change,” he said.

“Many mining companies have recognised Rural Solutions SA’s expertise in guiding them through the government approval processes, and in meeting environmental obligations set down in legislation.

‘We have strengths in the critical areas of community engagement, navigation through legislative requirements, environmental planning and landscape rehabilitation.

“This expertise helps turn a successful exploration into a profitable mining operation.”

Rural Solutions SA assists communities to achieve sustainable futures with actions that produce localised solutions to problems where ownership is vital and community participation critical.
Whyalla Deputy Mayor Eddie Hughes said while the economic boom was all good news there was no mention of what impact the mining boom would have on people living in the mining areas.
He said detailed studies should be done on communities and the environments where major mining and related projects would be carried out.

UniSA Centre for Innovation and Development Director Professor Richard Blandy has completed a detailed study on the growth impact after gathering data from 23 major mining companies.
Professor Blandy told the 200 delegates at the conference demand for power would increase five fold and the need for water and gas would treble.

Road, rail and port usage would treble and staffing levels would double.
While the government will be stretching its resources to look after the needs of the wider community the mining sectors would have to find ways of fulfilling its own needs during the mining boom.

Issued by: Terry Price, Media & Communications Consultant, Rural Solutions SA, Telephone 08 8226 2833, Mobile 0434 367 029

Media Contact: Terry Price, Media & Communications Consultant, Rural Solutions SA, Telephone 08 8226 2833, Mobile 0434 367 029