Xstrata Coal believes the wellbeing of its employees, their families and the communities in which it operates is crucial to maintaining its social licence to operate. Xstrata Coal is involved in extensive community programs throughout its global operations and works in partnership with communities to address areas of need, and is committed to making a real and positive difference within each of the communities in which it operates.

Xstrata was named the mining sector leader for the fourth consecutive year in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index 2010–11. It was also named a platinum level company and the mining sector leader by the United Kingdom’s Business in the Community’s Corporate Responsibility Index.

Xstrata Coal Queensland has been working closely with the local Wandoan, Taroom and Miles communities throughout all stages of the Wandoan Coal Project. The community consultation and social impact assessment process commenced in July 2007, and the feedback provided has enabled XCQ to better understand, and respond to, community concerns about the Project.

Our contribution to the economy and local communities

If the Wandoan Coal Project is approved and proceeds to the development stage, it has the potential to provide significant opportunities for the surrounding communities and the Queensland economy, through new employment opportunities, infrastructure improvements, Government royalties and flow-on effects to businesses in the areas of Taroom, Wandoan and Miles, and the greater region.

In addition, the Surat Basin Coal Value Chain, which includes the Wandoan Coal Project, the proposed rail connection to the Gladstone Port, the increase in capacity at Wiggins Island and the possibility of a new port development at Balaclava Island, will all bring about significant benefits to the region if developed. Together, these projects would open up the resources of the Surat Basin for development, triggering further major investment and regional development.

All of these economic benefits will help the economies of the local communities near the Wandoan Coal Project transition from being solely reliant on agriculture, to being a robust, mixed economy with strong foundations in mining, service provision, infrastructure and agriculture.

Additionally, Xstrata Coal is supporting the development of local communities through its Wandoan Community Fund, which has provided more than $180,000 in funding support towards community initiatives since 2009.

See our fact sheets “How we will contribute to your local economy” and “How we will contribute to your community” for further information.