Key environmental priorities
We have determined our key environmental priorities by assessing the primary environmental impacts of our operations.
Management
Xstrata operations manage environmental risks and impacts through a Group-wide risk management framework that identifies risks, prioritises actions, implements mitigation measures and tracks progress.
Incidents and compliance
Our ultimate goal is for no significant environmental incidents to occur at Xstrata operations. To work towards this, we aim to progressively reduce the number of incidents that occur.
Climate change
We recognises the environmental, social and economic threat posed by climate change and the need for co-ordinated, global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Water
We use large volumes of water in the extraction and processing of minerals and metals and we also generate wastewater.
Biodiversity
We develop and implement scientifically sound technologies and procedures for the effective management and conservation of biodiversity and landscape functions in the areas affected by our operations.
Air emissions
We reduce harmful emissions to air, water and land and use the highest reasonably practicable level of control from a recognised hierarchy of hazard controls to eliminate or minimise the impacts of our operations.
Waste
Mining and metallurgical operations produce considerable amounts of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes which, unless properly disposed of, can be a threat to the environment.
Product stewardship
We work with our stakeholders to mitigate the environmental impacts of our products' life cycle and supply chain.