Biodiversity

We require all our operations to undertake a risk and opportunity screening exercise at least every five years, including not only direct operational aspects but also the pressures on the surrounding bioregions, which could be influenced by factors such as the physical impacts of climate change and changes in land use.

Assessment outcomes enable us to identify and prioritise strategic conservation activities, development of mitigation measures, and collaboration and research opportunities.

We have also developed a No Net Loss (NNL) accounting guideline to assist our operations and projects to apply a natural capital (or ecosystem condition) accounting framework to support the achievement of NNL outcomes. We will continue to refine the framework in as natural capital accounting methods mature.

We address impacts and risks to biodiversity and ecosystem services at our operations by implementing biodiversity management plans and applying the mitigation hierarchy (avoid, minimise, rehabilitate/restore and offset).

Avoidance - The mitigation hierarchy starts with avoiding adverse impacts on biodiversity before actions and decisions are taken.

Minimisation - Minimisation aims to reduce the duration, intensity and extent of adverse impacts that cannot be realistically avoided. This typically involves threat abatement projects such as weed management, invasive species control and biosecurity measures.

Rehabilitation - Rehabilitation consists of measures to repair degradation or damage to specific biodiversity features and ecosystems. Progressive rehabilitation refers to rehabilitating areas as they become available and are no longer needed for operational requirements.

Offset residual impact - Where adverse impacts on biodiversity cannot be avoided, mitigated or rehabilitated, conservation actions may be applied to other areas to offset that residual impact.

Learn more about how we apply the mitigation hierarchy in our 2024 Sustainable Development Report.

Avoidance - The mitigation hierarchy starts with avoiding adverse impacts on biodiversity before actions and decisions are taken. As per the ICMM Performance Expectation 7.1, we are committed to avoiding exploring or mining in World Heritage Areas and to respecting legally designated protected areas. Minimisation - Minimisation aims to reduce the duration, intensity and extent of adverse impacts that cannot be realistically avoided. This typically involves threat abatement projects such as weed management, invasive species control and biosecurity measures. Rehabilitation - Rehabilitation consists of measures to repair degradation or damage to specific biodiversity features and ecosystems. Progressive rehabilitation refers to rehabilitating areas as they become available and are no longer needed for operational requirements. Offset residual impact - Where adverse impacts on biodiversity cannot be avoided, mitigated or rehabilitated, conservation actions may be applied to other areas to offset that residual impact.