The State of Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) recently acknowledged the efforts of Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mining Company (CC&V) in protecting the environment with a Bronze Achiever award in its Environmental Leadership Programme. The award recognises facilities that have made significant achievements in improving the environment of Colorado.
To qualify for the Bronze Achiever, the facility must have met various environmental criteria including a record of not having incurred serious environmental damage over a period of time. In addition, pollution prevention measures must be in place on the site, beyond those required by regulatory agencies. CC&V was recognised for achievements in three areas – recycling used oil, voluntary reclamation and community programmes.
During the construction of the new truck maintenance shop it was noted that maintenance of the new fleet of 300 tonne capacity haul trucks would result in an increase of used crankcase oil. In addition, the large shop used for maintenance of these vehicles, would be expensive to heat. The solution was the installation of boilers capable of burning used oil as a fuel source. The system eliminates the need for purchasing heating fuel, and solves disposal issues for the used oil. The savings will eventually offset the cost of the boilers, which are specially designed to minimise air emissions.
The award also recognises CC&V’s efforts to demolish and clean up an abandoned processing facility, the Cameron Plant. The site had been abandoned, and reclamation was never completed by the operator. CC&V worked with a local contractor and the Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology Abandoned Mined Land Programme to complete the cleanup. The plant was removed, all salvageable scrap metals were recycled and the site was cleared of other waste, debris and trash that had accumulated over the years.
Ongoing efforts to enhance the long-term sustainability of the region has led to the development of CC&V’s relationship with the Southern Teller County Focus Group (STCFG). CDPHE documented the range of projects completed by the STCFG in cooperation with CC&V. It has been shown that the close proximity of historic and active mining could provide sites to attract tourists to the area, and educate them about the changes in mining technology since gold was discovered in 1891. Six trails have been developed on CC&V’s property, along with interpretive signage. Several historic structures have been preserved as well.
The Bronze Achiever award is a one year award for entities that operate in Colorado and voluntarily seek designation. The applicants, as CC&V has, must demonstrate areas of achievement which go beyond compliance. Environmental Resources Manager for CC&V, Gary Goodrich, congratulated the employees of CC&V for their hard work.
AngloGold Ashanti Annual Report 2006 - Report to Society
