The awards are open to all opencut and underground mines, coal processing and coal handling facilities in the Hunter-Central Rivers region, including management plans for facilities no longer in operation. The awards are judged by a panel of industry, government and community representatives and nominees will need to demonstrate how their operations exceed statutory environmental regulations.

“The awards are about raising the bar for environmental management in mining industries in our region by rewarding efforts that go above and beyond what is required by mining legislation,” said HCCMA general manager Glenn Evans.

“Facilities also need to be able to demonstrate how they are consulting with and involving their local communities in all areas of operation.”

Industries being nominated for the awards need to supply an overview of the project they wish to be assessed on to the HCCMA by 22 July 2005, a more detailed written assessment being required of successful nominees.

‘We encourage opencut coal mines, underground coal mines, coal handling and coal preparation facilities throughout the Hunter, Central Coast and Lower North Coast to nominate for the awards, especially as they are now the only awards in New South Wales recognising excellence in environmental management in the coal mining industry,” said Evans.

“These awards are just one example of how the HCCMA facilitates the collaboration of community, government and industry in achieving sustainable management of our catchment’s natural resources.”

Sponsors of the awards include the NSW Minerals Council, Matrix Consulting, Hunter Coal Environment Group, Umwelt Environmental Consultants, Harper Somers O’Sullivan, Andrews Neil, Carbon Based Environmental, Land Asset Management, PPI Services and Parsons Brinckerhoff.

Nomination forms can be obtained from www.hcr.cma.nsw.gov.au or by calling 02 4930 1030.