Climate change
We recognise the importance of reducing the impact of climate change and the build up of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.
Our company supports the international consensus that unified action is required to address human induced climate change. An effective solution requires concerted effort from all governments, communities and the private sector to ensure that transition to a carbon constrained economy comes at minimal cost and is non trade distorting.
As a company, we target top quartile performance in sustainability. We are therefore committed to addressing major challenges such as that presented by climate change. As a major energy user, we have a significant role to play in minimising greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is a major concern for us as a significant consumer of energy from both renewable and non-renewable sources. We continue to participate in the Australian Government’s National Greenhouse Energy Reduction Strategy and drive this through our own internal business improvement process of which energy efficiency is a significant component.
Renewables
We are intent on maintaining a relatively low carbon footprint. Our operations draw significant amounts of energy from hydropower sources and will continue to look for long-term stable renewable energy projects to support future operations. Consequently, we already have a relatively low carbon footprint.
Our products
Our products support many of the technologies required for renewable energy targets to be met. The increased need for electric transportation options is driving demand for our lead and zinc, while copper is in high demand to connect the increasing number of renewable energy projects to growing urban populations.
Our products are highly recyclable. Copper and lead are 100% recyclable. Lead is one of the metals most frequently recycled with over 50% of lead in use today coming from recycled sources. Recycling copper requires far less energy than is needed to produce copper from natural sources and it is estimated that 80-85% of copper is currently recycled. Zinc is different because of the longevity of the product in use. Over 80% of the zinc available for recycling at the moment is recycled making up 30% of the global zinc supply.
Carbon disclosure
We monitor carbon emissions and energy efficiency across all of our operations within Australia and overseas. In Australia, we produce National Greenhouse Energy Reduction Strategy (NGERS) reporting.
Adaptation
The projected impact of climate change is likely to affect our operations and the communities that surround them. We are taking precautions to ensure our facilities are prepared for such events and have emergency procedures in place.
Advocacy
As a member of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) we are a signatory to the ICMM position statement on Climate Change which supports coordinated global action to reduce the impact of human carbon emissions on climate change. We are also a member of the Minerals Council of Australia and support this organisation’s work in addressing this important issue.
Water sampling at Century