38 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Bathurst Resources T T Karen Phelps Strong focus on sustainable mining Bathurst Resources entry into the Waipuna West extension at the Rotowaro mine has extended the mine’s lifespan by three years. Bathurst Resources remains committed to continuing its search for sustainable and value enhancing opportunities, states the company’s 2023 Annual Report. This commitment has led to the establishment of a long-term agreement for the use of its quality domestic coal in steelmaking in New Zealand, aligning with a strategy to support steel production both domestically and internationally. This strategic move comes as the company observes a shift among some domestic customers away from coal as an energy source towards alternative fuels. The report highlights that the agreement has facilitated Bathurst Resources’ entry into the Waipuna West extension at the Rotowaro mine, extending the mine’s lifespan by three years. Chairman Peter Westerhuis and CEO Richard Tacon emphasise in the report that the operations at the Rotowaro mine continue to be a vital contributor to the Waikato region’s economy. For example the extension has enabled the company to expand its staff, creating approximately 170 jobs at the mine site and offering opportunities for local contractors and suppliers. Recognizing steelmaking coal as ‘critical to the global energy transition,’ the report emphasises its necessity in the production of various innovative technologies essential for the shift to a lower carbon economy such as solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles, electrical semiconductors and large-scale batteries. Bathurst Resources is actively partnering with domestic customers to supply coal for industrial heat, contributing value to primary production products such as milk, cheese, vegetables, and meat. Addressing environmental impact, the report reveals that Bathurst Resources conducted independent verification and analysis of its export coal in the last year. The use of Stockton coal by overseas steelmakers is validated to avoid emitting 315,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, reinforcing the international importance of Bathurst Resources’ coal. ‘With an ever-growing commitment internationally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, this demonstrates the importance of our coal internationally and supports our Buller Plateau growth strategy and the opportunities for extending the life-of-mine at this site,’ state Peter and Richard in their report at the start of the 2023 Annual Report. Energy use and emissions remain a focus for the company, with the report stating, ‘as an organisation, we continue to monitor our energy usage and strive to improve and become more efficient where we can’. It has targeted fuel related emissions and most electricity consumed at the sites is generated from renewable sources such as water or wind. One way the company has achieved this is the use of Esso diesel efficient fuel in its machinery, which has reduced CO2e significantly. It has also engaged in energy saving projects with suppliers’. The report highlights Bathurst Resources’ progressive approach to mine rehabilitation, emphasizing the importance of returning mined areas to sustainable ecosystems: ‘We recognise that we need the support of our stakeholders and must earn our social licence to mine by demonstrating that our mining footprint is minimised by undertaking progressive rehabilitation to minimise impacts’. The company showcases its efforts, including the return of 5,500sqm of red tussock to the final Cypress pit overburden at the Stockton mine using the vegetation direct transfer method. This involved the translocation of intact soil and flora and fauna so that the cover of the disturbed land is immediate and biodiversity values were returned. An open day at the Takitimu mine in April also showcased to visitors the return to farmland and native vegetation and wetlands of the previously mined areas. ‘While we continue to pursue our growth projects, we also transition land into post-mining environments. We apply our environmental standards throughout the mine life cycle, across operational footprints from exploration drilling to post closure activities’, says the report. Richard and Peter state that Bathurst Resources remain committed to continuing its search for sustainable and value enhancing opportunities in the near future: ‘We step into the new financial year with a steadfast focus on moving forward, and in a position to utilise our strong financial position to deliver another year of great results,’ they say in the report. terracat.co.nz 0800 93 39 39 TERRA CAT PROUDLY SUPPORTS BATHURST RESOURCES WE KNOWYOUR BUSINESS LIKE YOU KNOW MINING Throughout our history, Terra Cat has supported New Zealand’s mining industry. Our relationships are all about people, and that’s why they endure. With the power of unparalleled world class products and systems, you know you can rely on Cat®
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