Two partnerships took out top honours at the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety’s Sector Awards for Excellence last Friday.
Gold Fields Australia and EDL won the Golden Gecko award for environmental excellence for their Agnew Hybrid Renewable project in remote Western Australia.
The awards recognise outstanding environmental innovations, performance and leadership initiatives that benefit Western Australian communities and ensure responsible development of the State’s resources.
Celebrating its 30th year, the prestigious Golden Gecko Award for Environmental Excellence has recognised more than 60 projects which improved the environmental outcomes for WA.
The Agnew Hybrid Renewable project in Leinster, owned and operated by energy producer EDL, powers Gold Field’s Agnew gold mine through a combination of solar and wind generation, battery storage and gas and diesel generation, the first of its kind in Australia’s mining sector.
The Dandjoo Darbalung program won the Community Partnership Resources Sector Award for its support of Aboriginal students in regional Western Australia.
It is the largest Aboriginal residential program in Australia which provides holistic support to Aboriginal students with their tertiary studies while encouraging and nurturing their cultural identity.
Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston said the Agnew Hybrid Renewable project and Dandjoo Darbalung program are examples of going above and beyond to ensure the best outcomes for local communities and the environment.
“These projects set new social and environmental standards and are an example of why Western Australia is one of the best places in the world to do business,” he added.
“The Golden Gecko awards for environmental excellence have showcased best practice and innovation within our resources sector for the past 30 years.”