WHARF

SUSTAINABILITY

Environmental Initiatives | Community Development

Environmental Initiatives

Wharf Resources is committed to the protection and preservation of the environment and to ensuring compliance with all relevant industry standards, environmental legislation and regulations. The environmental objectives and targets involve the participation of all employees, and allow them to be part of good environmental stewardship.

Aggressive sampling programs monitor air quality (three stations both on and off site), water quality (over forty surface and groundwater sites are routinely monitored), wildlife (annual wildlife and aquatic studies) and reclamation of mined lands.

Over several years the company has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its impact on the environment including:

• Remediation of old tailing and mining activity from the turn of the century
• Receipt of the first permit of its kind in South Dakota to allow the off-load of neutralized spent ore
• Receipt of the ABEX (Achievement in Business Excellence) Award from South Dakota Industry and Commerce Association for mine reclamation activities.
• Wharf is implementing a water treatment program, vital in determining the post closure treatment options and in reducing the post closure period.

Mine planning includes an active and very successful reclamation plan. As mining is conducted, areas are developed for reclamation as quickly as practicable. To date, approximately 475 acres have been reclaimed to final reclamation standards, with 213 of the reclaimed acres designated by the state as meeting the post mine land use of range land grazing.

The approved post mining land use is range land grazing. However, within the reclamation plan, provision has been made for the development of specific areas for wildlife habitat and recreation.

Native pine and spruce trees transplanted to a reclaimed area

Tree and shrub planting on a reclaimed area.

Community Development

Over its 23 year life Wharf has provided substantial benefits to the local community and the South Dakota State government. The company continues to support the community through local purchases of goods and services wherever possible and provides direct employment from the local community.  The mine currently employs 130 full-time employees.

Mine closure plans were developed at the time of permitting and were reviewed by the community in public hearings at the county and state levels. The standards for closure and final reclamation are addressed in the conditions of the mine permit and specific performance criteria developed to measure compliance with the standards. Financial assurance in the amount of $10.7 million is posted with the state to ensure performance with the closure and reclamation plan. Post-closure activities, including water treatment and monitoring, are also ensured with an additional $8.1 million posted with the state

Annual mine site audit by state agencies

First year vegetative growth on the backfilled and reclaimed Portland Pit

 Wharf Sustainability Report 2005