Perth based mining company Iluka Resources has recently contracted Rural Solutions SA to undertake a community profile at Ceduna on SA’s west coast.

This is an indication that Rural Solutions SA is at the leading edge of mining industry consultation with local communities.

The community profile was aimed at assisting in community resource allocations as a result of Iluka’s association with Ceduna and surrounds.

Iluka Resources and the District Council of Ceduna partnered the community profiling session and contracted Rural Solutions SA to facilitate the profile and assist in analysing the results.

Caption
Consulting with the community

Community demographics were obtained through the help of industry, government and non-government bodies, however the profile required a better understanding about the community through direct facilitation.

The Jacinth-Ambrosia project, which has received development approval, represents Iluka's first commitment to the major, high quality and long life zircon province within the company's extensive tenement holdings in the Eucla Basin of South Australia. The Jacinth-Ambrosia deposit is the most significant new zircon discovery in recent decades.

First production, subject to approval, is expected mid 2010, with production expected to move to approximately 300,000 tonnes per annum of zircon in 2011.

The economic mine life for Jacinth-Ambrosia is estimated to be at least ten years, dependent on the production profile and recoveries. Exploration potential is expected to extend the life of mining activities in the Eucla Basin.

The project is expected to employ approximately 250 direct jobs during the construction phase and approximately 110 direct jobs during the operational phase.

Iluka community relations advisor Shelley Masterson identified the importance of undertaking the community profile.

“Iluka is committed to supporting the communities in which it operates,” she said.

“A community profile is the first step in understanding opportunities for sustainable partnerships with community groups and businesses, and we were lucky to have representatives from each community sector on the day.

“It is important however that we try to make the profile an annual event to hear from different community members and ensure any changes in community needs, aspirations and challenges are identified.”

The day-long discussion looked at the following sectors:

• Social organisation
• Health and human
• Education and training
• Natural resources
• Business
• Primary industry
• Arts and entertainment
• Sport And recreation

The profile will help Ceduna and district community, industry and government develop strategies to work toward achieving the community’s goals in future years.

District Council of Ceduna community development manager Kathy Meier said the information will be used to develop ways forward and future strategies.

“It will be a useful tool for the whole community to utilise, not just industry and government,” she said.

The final profile is being prepared by Rural Solutions SA for presentation to the community and other interested parties in the near future.

For further information contact Mark Meyer.

Date of release 21 November