Mining is a temporary land use, and although activities can span many decades, if poorly controlled, residual impacts can last for many generations. Mining companies hold tenure to land for exploration and mining in various forms, ranging from full ownership to concessions or a lease of tenements. Regardless of the form of land holding, mining companies are not only stewards of the land under their control and influence, but are also responsible to host governments and communities for leaving it in a condition that ensures the optimization of post closure outcomes.
Activities associated with mineral exploitation give rise to numerous types of temporary and permanent activities on land including: exploration drilling, development of mining pits, ore processing plants, overburden and waste storage, water supply and treatment, offices, and recreation and accommodation facilities. The total extent of land disturbed for these multiple uses is often referred to as the mine footprint.
The change of existing land use or securing access to land for new mining or exploration activities can be controversial, especially where communities are affected. If insensitively managed, this change process can result in a hostile relationship developing between the site and affected communities, which may pose a threat to long term production viability. In keeping with the company’s commitment that “We want communities and the societies in which we operate to be better off for us having been there”, the needs of affected communities in planning and making decisions regarding land use change, are vital.
Recognizing that land management issues at each site are unique, this standard sets out generic requirements to ensure that land-related environmental burden liabilities (1) which may accrue to GNCC Capital, Inc. (“GNCC”) and community-related threats are minimized or avoided.
(See “Land Management” PDF File for our complete statement).