Sustainability website / Case Studies 2003 / Xstrata coal / Collinsville implements a Community Relations Programme

Collinsville implements a Community Relations Programme

In 2002, Collinsville Coal implemented a Community Relations Programme to foster a more transparent and meaningful relationship with its local community. The community welcomed Collinsville's effort to improve stakeholder relationships. Face-to-face meetings were held with residents, schools and the Retired Miners Association to discuss community concerns and complaints, and prioritise requirements. In addition to this tailored programme Collinsville also has a scheme in place whereby a local high school student can do work experience at the mine to learn about environmental management.

Specific environmental concerns included spontaneous combustion to which Collinsville responded by implementing a daily monitoring programme of spontaneous combustion, with particular focus on the ‘hot spots'. To reassure the community, the mine also conducted an assessment of spontaneous combustion in 2003. The results have been presented to both the workforce and concerned residents. In the latter part of 2003, Collinsville commissioned an independent company to conduct a community survey of both Scottsville and Collinsville. The survey was designed to provide insights into community perceptions and identify any issues not yet addressed. Collinsville plans to address any issues raised through community meetings, employee awareness training and school presentations. Plans are also in place to continue school group tours and presentations and encourage the participation of local schools in environmental monitoring projects. Collinsville is committed to raising community awareness of the mine and, in turn, a greater awareness at the mine of the community's needs.