Partnership with the CRC will enable and accelerate new and expanded operations for the mining and energy sectors in northern Australia

Mining and energy operations in northern Australia are challenged to establish and maintain positive engagement with regional communities affected by their operations, and to establish credentials for social and environmental responsibility in the wider community. The business case for good performance in this area is increasingly recognised.

The CRC will link statutory obligations in environmental management to positive conservation initiatives, implemented in the regions by local people. Initiatives include improved landscape management to sequester carbon, abate greenhouse gas emissions and stem biodiversity decline. Rio Tinto’s Biodiversity Strategy (2004) commits to net positive impacts on biodiversity, which requires research to identify and develop options and demonstrate that they are capable of achieving the projected benefits.