Iluka recognises the importance of responsible stewardship of the natural environments in which we operate. We aim to: 

  • Understand the potential impact of our operations on the environment and implement solutions to prevent or mitigate those impacts
  • Use resources efficiently and
  • Rehabilitate our mines and processing facilities in a way that establishes a sustainable post-operational land use. 

Our approach is supported by Iluka’s Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSEC) Management System. It comprises Group Standards that define minimum performance requirements for key risk areas, including environmental management, risk and hazard management, and closure of mine and processing facilities.   

Iluka continually assesses environmental risks and monitors environmental performance. At every stage in the lifecycle of our operated assets, we seek to understand the local environmental values and avoid, minimise and mitigate adverse environmental impacts. These commitments are embedded in our business through training programs and applying our environmental policies, standards and processes. 

The diversity of our operations and their geographic locations influences how we think about the natural environment and approach to manage environmental risks. We conduct studies to understand local and regional environmental values which inform impact assessments and mitigate environmental impacts, ensuring efficient and responsible resource extraction. The individual environmental risks of each site are assessed, allowing us to develop site-specific procedures and management plans in compliance with our HSEC Management System.   

Iluka reports on its environmental management activities annually. All environmental incidents are reported and investigated. To mitigate similar incidents, remedial and preventative actions identified in incident investigations are tracked through to completion. 

Read more about Iluka’s environmental performance in our latest Sustainability Data Book. 

Health, Safety, Environment and Community Policy 

Iluka recognises the importance of protecting biodiversity and ecosystem values. We understand that mining activities can have an impact on biodiversity, and our aim is to minimise these effects through a comprehensive and science-based approach. We seek opportunities to make a positive contribution to the surrounding natural environment. 

Iluka owns, leases, manages and accesses several operational, rehabilitation and future project sites that contain areas of high biodiversity value in Australia. We work to protect the biodiversity of sensitive environments and contribute to regional biodiversity through ecological and conservation efforts. Our continuous research on plant biodiversity, ecology and recovery of vegetation on rehabilitated mines sites informs biodiversity management across Iluka’s sites. 

Guided by the Iluka Environmental Management Standard, biodiversity management considers regional and local biodiversity and regulatory requirements. We integrate responsible environmental management practices during all aspects of the mine lifecycle to protect the long-term health of the environment and communities where we operate.    

Iluka undertakes ecological surveys of biodiversity values including for local flora and fauna, with the support of external specialist consultants, to assist in the development of environmental impact assessments. When undertaking these assessments, we consult with all relevant and affected stakeholders. Biodiversity is managed at all Iluka sites through the implementation of environmental, rehabilitation and closure management plans.

Read more about Iluka’s biodiversity work in our latest Sustainability Data Book and in Case Studies and Insights. 

Iluka’s objective is to achieve beneficial closure outcomes by planning and executing the rehabilitation and closure of assets in a manner aligned with leading practice. 

Iluka is proud of its strong track record in mine rehabilitation and closure, spanning more than 50 years. This performance is driven by the requirements set out in Iluka’s Closure Standard and Social Performance Standard.  

Successful mine closure requires an integrated approach, with planning commencing at the feasibility phase and continuing throughout the life of the asset. Closure planning processes include determining post mining land use, assessing closure risks and determining relevant closure objectives, undertaking research program necessary to address knowledge gaps, and developing rehabilitation management and engineering prescriptions. Planning is appropriate to the project or operational phase and is continually updated to reflect changes in operational activities and mining methods, as well as new information.  

Given Iluka’s 70-year history, land contamination may exist by virtue of the standards of the day, as opposed to any regulatory non-compliance. In addition to the ongoing environmental management of operating sites, any historical land contamination issues are addressed through a rigorous program of assessment and management. 

Read more about Iluka’s rehabilitation and closure performance in our latest Sustainability Data Book and in Case Studies and Insights.  

Iluka values water as an important resource that requires managing in a sustainable manner to ensure shared users and the environment are protected. Water is essential to Iluka’s operations – it is used in mining and processing activities and for drinking and domestic use in accommodation camps. 

Guided by the Iluka Environmental Management Standard, each operation assesses water risks and maintains a site-specific management plan and water balance, to ensure responsible use of water throughout the mine lifecycle. This approach allows us to balance environmental and social priorities with operational needs.    

Our water-related activities are regulated by relevant legislation in each jurisdiction and are subject to set quality and quantity thresholds. In early planning stages of development of a water asset, detailed hydrogeological assessments are completed to ensure that use of the water resource is fit for purpose and potential impacts to environment and stakeholders are avoided where possible. Monitoring also allows us to ensure all water-related infrastructure complies with regulatory requirements and is maintained to minimise the risk of unintended spills or discharges to the environment.

Read about Iluka’s water performance data in our latest Sustainability Data Book.