Transitioning from Explorer to Miner
The client was a small, privately owned exploration program operating in Far Western NSW. The program had been going for many years, but, with a dramatic increase in resources, the project suddenly transitioned from a small dry mining proposal to a proposed large wet mining operation, of substantial size and mine life.
Operating very remotely for weeks at a time, Pandanus were able to build a rapport with the local community, who were often very difficult to engage with due to the isolation of the area, and successfully negotiate agreements with the majority of neighbours.
Pandanus also oversaw and coordinated the EIS process, through a number of redesigns and iterations. Becoming part of the clients team we coordinated all of the required field works for the EIS, assisted the EIS consultancy with writing large sections of the report and provided technical input and review given our extensive experience with sand mining operations and rehabilitation.
Whilst working on the Community and EIS projects, Pandanus were also able to assist the company modernise and upscale their EH&S documentation and compliance processes, and build working relationships with the local state agencies.
Pandanus were engaged to oversee the Community engagement program, provide technical expereince, as well as manage the State Significant Development application and manage the EIS process which was being undertaken by another consultancy.
Pandanus personnel also set about building environment and health and safety systems for the client, as well as the companies fledgling ESG systems. Guiding the business and providing professional environment and safety oversight at a corporate and site level were also key tasks.
Highlights of this project were working with a very small team, helping it grow rapidly and building the organisations capability as we went. Completing a very large and complex EIS, with all of its studies, consultation and negotiations was a great experience, as well as working with the wonderful western NSW community who always made us feel welcome.