IGO SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2022— 79 78 —IGO SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2022 Environment Exploration Projects Albany Fraser Orogen (AFO) During FY22, IGO conducted a detailed multi-faceted exploration program across the AFO project. The AFO stretches from the Dundas Nature Reserve at its Southernmost extent, in the heart of the GWW, to the Plumridge Nature Reserve in the north, within the Great Victoria Desert Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) region. There are numerous conservation estates that coincide with the AFO project and IGO operate in conjunction with Conservation Management Plans, which set out specific environmental management conditions, as agreed with the relevant regulatory bodies, whenever operating within any conservation estate. IGO have completed numerous biological surveys across the AFO and continue to actively monitor conservation significant species with targeted surveys. During FY22, IGO completed a LiDAR survey across parts of the AFO exploration tenure, to identify Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata) nesting mounds. The results of this survey will enable IGO to better understand the abundance of this vulnerable species, as well as better plan to mitigate the impact from any exploration works upon their primary habitat. All identified nesting mounds have been recorded and the areas are excluded from future works. Kimberley The Kimberley region is world renowned for spectacular scenery and swaths of wilderness. The region is a hub for domestic and international tourism, with a range of diverse stakeholders. Significant cultural heritage sites are located across the region and engagement with the Traditional Owner groups is of paramount importance to IGO. The IGO Kimberley exploration work program has been designed to be very low impact, where only minor earthworks and ground disturbance is undertaken. IGO’s exploration work programs in the Kimberley are informed by several, previously completed biological surveys. These surveys have identified species of specific conservation significance, including Northern Quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) and Ghost Bat (Macroderma gigas). IGO exploration conducts environmental impact assessments before all planned work to mitigate any potential impact upon these vulnerable species and their known habitat. Input from both the DMIRS and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) is sought prior to ground disturbing activities taking place. Future biological surveys are planned for the Kimberley exploration project, to better understand the key environmental receptors and inform how to minimise the environmental impact from the proposed exploration activities. Case Study: Progressive Exploration Rehabilitation in the Kimberley IGO are committed to completing progressive rehabilitation of our mine sites and at our exploration projects. Rehabilitation is completed to return disturbed land to a safe, stable, non-polluting/ non-contaminating landform in an ecologically sustainable manner that is productive and/ or self-sustaining. During FY22, IGO completed an extensive rehabilitation program in the West Kimberley exploration project, where exploration project areas that had been inherited through joint venture were rehabilitated to best practice standard. The work program included the rehabilitation of several cut and fill tracks and diamond drill pads on hillsides. Rehabilitation earthworks were completed by IGO personnel and contractors, largely using an excavator and grader to recontour the areas, respread remaining topsoil and respread any vegetation across the areas. The IGO Exploration Environmental team supervised operations to ensure best practice measures were used for the duration of the work. IGO Land Disturbance and Rehabilitation Land disturbance (ha) Rehabilitation (ha) FY21 FY22 FY20 FY19 FY18 139 687 122 577 817 5 387 171 115 112 Measuring our Performance Sustainability Indicators and Targets Progress FY22 FY21 Read More Environmental impact management Reducing our exploration impacts and maintaining progressive rehabilitation commitments. Page 77 Water use The impacts associated with IGO’s water consumption are minimal. We undertook a significant program of work in FY22 to increase water reuse, reduce raw water consumption and improve efficiency in existing plants. Page 81 Zero significant discharges to land and water1 There were zero significant discharges to land, water bodies, water courses or groundwater in FY22. Page 103 Zero significant environmental incidents1 There were zero significant environmental incidents in FY22. Page 103 1. A significant event resulting from IGO operated activities is one with a severity of consequence rating of ‘significant’ and above, based on our internal risk assessment model (tiered from one to five by increasing severity), as defined in our Common Management System Standard 3 – Risk Management. Target met/acceptable performance Target on track/adequate performance Target not met/we need to do better Environmental Impact Assessments IGO’s exploration team completes environmental and social impact assessments, in conjunction with the Group Environmental Standard. These processes help inform the best means by which to mitigate both social and environmental harm. All exploration work programs are subject to the environmental and social impact assessments, specific to the level of risk for the given work program. Where any land clearing operations or ground disturbing activities are being undertaken, increased focus is given to the planned work and the internal verification is completed by both environmental and heritage specialists, before the commencement of the work. More significant and impactful works require on-ground surveying with subject matter experts to verify best practice measures are being taken. At a minimum, our monitoring will continue until we have a firm understanding of: • the total area of land disturbed or otherwise impacted by our activities • changes to ecosystem function, and the composition of flora and fauna present within our operational areas • changes to the socio-economic circumstances of our host communities; and • the adequacy of our impact controls or mitigation activities. Outcomes of environmental impact assessments are regularly shared with regulatory bodies to demonstrate IGO’s commitment to best practice in the environmental space. Biodiversity IGO are privileged to work in some of Australia’s most unique and remote regions, with important biological and ecological values. Actively managing our impact on biodiversity is essential for reducing risk, ensuring future land access and maintaining our social licence to operate. To ensure we contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and seek to understand and protect the flora and fauna at all our operations, IGO operate under a Land Use and Biodiversity Management Standard. This standard defines the minimum requirements every site must meet if we are to manage our biodiversity impacts and operate as responsible environmental stewards. Nova Operation Our Nova Operation is situated within the Great Western Woodlands (GWW), the largest relatively untouched temperate woodland left on Earth. The GWW covers almost 16M ha and co-exists with more than 300 mines, 5,000 tenements and pastoral leases that cover about 20% of the area. Field studies conducted within the Nova Operation during its feasibility phase found 45 vegetation communities and 142 vertebrate fauna species, including 40 reptile, 82 bird and 20 mammal species. We continue to monitor invasive flora and fauna species across the Operation. Invasive species have a major impact on Australia’s environment, threatening biodiversity, and reducing overall species abundance and diversity. Although none of the weed species found at the Nova Operation are listed as Declared Pests or are Weeds of National Significance, we complete regular weed management activities including weed monitoring and control spraying. Native seed collection was undertaken during the period to plan for rehabilitation in the future. Re-contouring of a cut and fill exploration drill pad
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