Month: December 2011

Australia has been tipped to become the world’s largest producer and exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG). A special report by the Paris-based International Energy Agency has predicted Australia could triple its LNG production by 2020. Despite its reputation as environmentally friendly, liquefied natural gas has its share of critics.

Australia will enter the ‘golden age of gas’ and become the world’s largest producer by 2020, according to the International Energy Agency.

Global factors, including a showdown in nuclear energy, increased production of natural gas vehicles and China’s increased gas targets, have been tipped to increase demand.

“We think Australia will play a crucial role in the golden age of gas,” IEA chief economist Fatih Birol said.

“By around 2020 – only 10 years from now – Australian production may increase threefold.”

Despite its reputation as environmentally friendly, liquid natural gas has come under attack because of the risks and disruption of key agricultural land posed by conventional gas and coal seam gas mining. Green revolution proponents and farm lobbyists have raised concerns about the impact of gas mining on water and soil quality in agricultural districts.

Despite the contention over whether LNG is eco-friendly, this liquid product has been identified as a major energy source for the future.

Today Australia is ranked among the world’s top exporters of natural gas, behind the small middle-eastern nation Qatar, and close south-east Asian neighbours Indonesia and Malaysia.

Based on the IEA’s price assumptions, Australian gas exports could increase from about $7.2 billion to $36 billion a year by 2020.

Alternative fuels

LNG has become one of the most promising alternative fuels on the market for the transport sector.

Gas company BOC believes LNG offers an economical, low-emissions fuel alternative for the trucking industry.

“One of the biggest challenges facing society is the need to reduce emissions the world over,” BOC South Pacific managing director Colin Isaac said. “This calls for intelligent technologies that balance the need for environmental protection with advancing industrialization and economic development.

“LNG, the cleanest burning fossil fuel, releases up to 20% less greenhouse gases compared to diesel. Another advantage of LNG is its stable price, making it an ideal fuel for transport operators.”

Supporting greener industry

Perth-based environmental cleaning products company Envirosafe Solutions has welcomed new technologies to safeguard Australia’s transport sector, while reducing its environmental impacts.

While understanding the concerns of the green revolution movement, Envirosafe Solutionsrecognises the need to find cleaner fossil fuels and other alternative energy solutions.

Its Extreme Green range of eco-friendly industrial liquids includes truck wash, fuel conditioners and treatments and workshop environmental cleaning products.

Predictions that Australia’s production of LNG could triple in the next decade bring both opportunities and challenges. For more information on other ways to reduce environmental impacts contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.news.com.au/business/golden-age-of-gas-to-pipe-in-36bn-a-year-to-australian-economy/story-e6frfm1i-1226070658026#

http://www.primemovermag.com.au/news/article/cleaner-greener-transport

From the establishment of unique wetlands to the restoration of abandoned mine sites, Australian resource companies have led the world in reducing the impact of mining and exploration. These extreme green solutions have been acknowledged through the Golden Gecko awards since 1982.

Geckos are among the last wildlife to return to an area disturbed by mining and have become a symbol of the green revolution being undertaken by the resource sector.

The appropriately-dubbed Golden Gecko awards were launched by the Western Australian government in 1982 and have become highly respected across the community and industry.

Since the inaugural awards, dozens of mining projects have been recognised as environmentally-friendly. Liquid wastewater treatments, mangrove monitoring and mine site rehabilitation are just a few initiatives deemed worthy of the coveted awards.

“Western Australia is recognised throughout the world for its high standard of environmental management,” former WA premier Alan Carpenter said in a written statement for the Golden Gecko Awards.

“The State Government recognises the importance of balancing environmental responsibility with successful development of Western Australia’s mineral and petroleum resources.

“Over the years the Golden Gecko Awards have grown in stature to become the highest environmental accolade achievable in the Western Australian mineral and petroleum industries.

“Environmental management has improved dramatically within the resources industry over the past 15 years and the Golden Gecko Awards have played a major role in progressively lifting standards.”

Since 1992 the face of mining in Western Australia has changed dramatically. That year the State produced 108 million tonnes of iron ore, just half of 2005’s 216 million tonne production.

Improved environmental standards, including the use of eco-friendly industrial liquids to reduce soil and water contamination, have improved the mining sector’s extreme green credentials.

Early award winning projects include:

1982 – Alcoa of Australia won a Golden Gecko award for its vision in establishing a permanent wetland on the Swan Coastal Plan, which has gone on to provide a habitat for more than 101 bird species including 38 waterbird species.

1982 – CRA Exploration won a Golden Gecko award for its liaison with the Aboriginal community by producing instructional videos for residents and working in partnership with the WA government.

1993 – Western Mining Corporation (which was acquired by BHP billiton in 2005) won a Golden Gecko for its rehabilitation of the Kambalda exploration site, which showed environmental leadership.

1993 – BHP Iron Ore received a special minister’s award in recognition of its decision to close and rehabilitate the Goldesworthytownsite, abandoned mine waste dumps and industrial complex. This was done at a time when there was no mandatory requirement for site rehabilitation.

These early awards demonstrate that even 30 years ago the mining sector was making efforts to be eco-friendly. Industrial liquid waste poses a significant threat to groundwater and soil and efforts to restore mining sites improve the recovery of local fauna and flora.

The Golden Gecko awards have played an important part in not only recognising environmental efforts by resources companies but in driving further environmental change. Envirosafe Solutions has been proud to support improved environment outcomes by supplying the sector with environmental cleaning products. For more information on the Perth-supplier’s Extreme Green product range of environmentally-friendly liquids contact 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.dmp.wa.gov.au/goldengecko/downloads/GG_06_Booklet.pdf

Farmingand mining has historically been an uncomfortable mix. Nationals Senate leader Barnaby Joyce and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott stirred debate recently by claiming farmers should have a right to refuse mining access on their properties. They later watered-down their statements but the issue remains heated.

While farmers toil to make a living growing crops above the ground, untapped riches often lie far below the surface.

It’s when miners want to unearth these resources that conflict arises.

The competing interests of landholders and mining companies have received considerable press in recent months.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott stirred debate when he said farmers should have the right to refuse coal seam gas drillers access to their land.

Coal Seam Gas (CSG) is a newer resource, extracted from coal deposits too deep to be mined, and involves forcing a mix of chemicals, water and sand into the seams to remove the methane. Green revolution proponents claim the frackingprocess in not environmentally friendly. Liquid chemicals used in the process include acids, solvents, biocides and hydrocarbons.

The produced water is a contaminated (not eco-friendly) liquid product which must be carefully disposed of.

Nationals Senate leader Barnaby Joyce has also entered the fray, claimed landholders should be able to refuse mining access if it posed a threat to the health of water aquifers or the viability of prime farming land.

“If it’s going to damage the aquifer, if it’s going to destroy the aquifer, then that’s something not only the landholder should have an interest in but something the nation should have an interest in,” Mr Joyce said.

“If it’s something that’s going to destroy the usage of prime agricultural land then that’s not something not only the landholder should have an interest in but something the nation should have an interest in.”

Legal rights

Minerals on private properties are owned by the Crown and landholders are obliged to give access to their land for exploration and mining, under different state laws enacted over the past 100 years.

Queensland has recently announced draft legislation to restrict mining within 2km of towns.

In NSW, however, leaked draft plans prepared for the State Government outline plans to keep conservation areas, prime farming land, horse breeding and wine-growing regions open to coal seam gas and coalmining.

It outlines a ‘gateway process’ to be applied to test whether mining and petroleum proposals were ‘suitable’.

Competing interests

Both farming and mining have left considerable environmental legacies from land clearing to water and soil contamination. While debate continues over the legal rights of these valuable sectors, environmental activists continue to challenge both industries to embrace the green revolution.

Leading Perth-based environmental cleaning company Envirosafe Solutions has been working with the mining industry to provide non-toxic, eco-friendly industrial liquid cleaners and treatments suitable for mining sites.

These include its Extreme Green range of kitchen and laundry environmental cleaning products (designed for use with hard-water) as well as workshop and site products, including its popular soil wetting agent.

Balancing competing rights between farming and mining involves careful consideration of environmental outcomes. Envirosafe Solutions remains committed to providing eco-friendly liquid products that reduce reliance on toxic chemicals among both sectors. For more information contact 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-15/farmers-call-for-mining-negotiation-powers/2840306

http://lockthegate.org.au/csg-facts/csg-factsheet.cfm

http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/farm-gate-open-to-give-miners-access-20111014-1lpad.html

More than a year after its role in the Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster, mining giant BP has been cleared to apply for new leases to drill offshore. The tragedy killed 11 workers and left a massive environmental cleaning production along the coastline. The decision comes despite early suggestions the US may ban BP from expanding its offshore drilling program.

The US will allow BP to participate in an upcoming offshore oil and gas lease sale.

A high-ranking government regulator has said BP would not be banned from obtaining new leases to drill offshore. The offshore lease sale will be the first since the explosion on the Deepwater Horizon rig, which spilled more than 4 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico.

“They (BP) don’t have a deeply flawed record offshore,” Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Michael Bromwich said. “The question is ‘Do you administer the administrative death penalty based on one incident?’ and we’ve concluded that’s not appropriate.”

The Gulf of Mexico disaster – the biggest offshore spill in US history – was a stark reminder that the environmental cost of mining can be extreme. Green commentators have warned the financial penalties for considerable environmental harm are too low. In the case of BP it has been predicted fines from the Gulf of Mexico spill would cost BP no more than $21 million. This is just seven hours of profit according to US Democrat Edward Markey.

“That fine obviously does not even begin to approach the amount needed to be a deterrent against a repeat of this tragedy. That fine is a slap on the wrist.”

Australia has been at the forefront of mining and exploration research and development aimed at making the industry more eco-friendly. Liquid products, gas and mineral mining by-products contribute to pollution.

As the world’s leading coal exporter Australia has been well-positioned to lead the world in sustainable mining practices.

Reducing toxic chemical use in remote sites is an easy step which has been embraced in Australia’s mining regions.

Leading Australian environmental liquids company Envirosafe Solutions has developed a range of products which perform in hard-water conditions.

Its Extreme Green Soil Wetta-Dust Suppressor is an effective, non-toxic wetting agent that can safely be carried in water tankers used for drinking purposes.

Its low-phosphate, eco-friendly industrial liquid and powder laundry products give outstanding results while being compatible with remote camp sewage and wastewater systems.

While US authorities have given BP the green light to push forward with its offshore drilling plans, the lessons from the disaster need to be learned. Envirosafe Solutions has an Extreme Green range of environmentally friendly liquids uniquely designed for mining situations. For more information contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or emailinfo@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/bp-will-not-be-banned-offshore-lease-sale-0

http://www.bp.com/sectionbodycopy.do?categoryId=41&contentId=7067505

Going green makes business sense for tourism operators

The perfect Aussie holiday can be relaxing on sun-kissed beaches, exploring rugged countryside or splurging on a city shopping spree. The lure of Australian destinations has made tourism a multi-billion dollar industry. The challenge for operators and travellers is to ensure it’s left unspoiled for the next holiday.

Simply getting to a holiday destination in Australia can be a carbon-burning experience!

Vast distances separate capital cities and air, rail and road travel can be a major part of a holiday’s carbon footprint.

For this reason many discerning travellers are conscious of choosing extreme green travel options where possible.

This may include choosing to holiday closer to home and walking, cycling or using public transport to explore their destination.

Hotels and resorts with eco-credentials (such as reduced energy consumption, recycling programs and the use of environmental cleaning products) have strong appeal.

The Federal Government’s Climate Change Guide (Mitigation and Adaptation Measures for Australian Tourism Operators) claims climate change poses a significant threat to the tourism industry. It may:

• Decrease tourism in areas where fire, cyclone or flooding risks may increase;
• Decrease winter tourism due to reductions in frequency and volume of snow and shorter seasons.

Toxic chemicals

Joining the green revolution involves reducing energy, waste and chemicals. According to the guide, the use of non-environmentally friendly liquids can have significant effects on both the environment and health.

“Chemicals are often overlooked as a contributor to climate change. However, the production, use and disposal of chemicals can have far-reaching effects for both the natural environment and human health.”

Environmentally friendly liquids can be used to replace traditional cleaners in hotels and resorts. Switching to eco-friendly industrial liquids (such as the leading Extreme Green range from Australian supplier Envirosafe Solutions) in the bathroom, kitchen and laundry will not only bring environmental benefits but also boost green credentials and guest relations.

Supply chain

The guide recommends tourism operators develop and adopt a sustainable procurement policy to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions built-in to their purchases.

“Australia is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. If levels of greenhouse gases continue to rise, the resulting climate change could lead to serious impacts on coastal communities, iconic areas such as the Great Barrier Reef, and the Kakadu wetlands, biodiversity, agriculture, water supplies, human health, transport and communications infrastructure.”

The tourism industry contributed $38.9 billion to Australia’s GDP in 2006-07 and a sustainable industry in the future requires a commitment to reduce the impacts of climate change.

Hotel and resort operators making the switch to greener practices are reaping environmental, health and business rewards. For more information on environmental cleaning products for the tourism industry contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.ret.gov.au/tourism/Documents/Tourism%20and%20Climate%20Change/2141259A_TOURISM_CLIMATE_CHANGE_Workshop%20guide_v12.pdf

Climate change poses a significant threat to Australia’s tourism industry. The view from a high-rise apartment would be far less appealing knowing the lower floors were under water. Equally ski trips without snow and rivers without water offer very little for the holiday maker. Little wonder many Australian tourism operators are joining the green revolution.

There are tell-tale signs everywhere that tourism operators are going green.

From the little signs in hotel and resort bathrooms advising guests to save water and reuse their towels, to automatic lighting, environmental cleaning products and guest recycling points.

There are plenty of ways to reduce your environmental footprint and help reduce the effects of climate change.

Energy

Consider purchasing energy from a clean energy provider and monitor energy consumption to help identify opportunities to reduce usage.

Simple steps can be effective in reducing energy costs and minimising greenhouse gas emissions, including:

• Installing energy-efficient lighting such as LEDs;
• Installing sensor-lighting in outside areas;
• Using a key card system so energy is only used when rooms are occupied;
• Installing solar hot water systems or solar panels for energy generation;
• Planting trees and garden beds to provide natural shading.

Waste

According to the Federal Government’s Climate Change Guide (Mitigation and Adaptation Measures for Australian Tourism Operators) Australians are the world’s second highest producers of waste. As a nation we throw away an alarming 3.3 million tonnes of food annually – this represents one quarter of the country’s food supply!

Where possible avoid and reduce waste and where necessary recover, reuse, recycle. The following tips may help:

• Purchase food and environmental cleaning products in bulk (and use refillable dispensers for guest amenities such as antibacterial hand wash)
• Use recycled paper products;
• Create prominent recycling drop-off points for guest waste.

Water

Measures to reduce water consumption and preserve water quality (including using non-toxic eco-friendly liquid products) are critical.

In addition to installing low-flow appliances (taps, showerheads, toilets) the following steps can help conserve this precious resource.

• Re-use grey water from the laundry on gardens and reserves. Switching to environmentally friendly liquid laundry products with low phosphate content will ensure grey water is safe for reuse.
• Encourage staff and guests to be aware of their water usage by placing signs in bathrooms, kitchens and laundries.
• Use biodegradable eco-friendly liquid products instead of traditional harsh chemicals.

Chemicals

The guide recommends tourism operators use environmentally-friendly chemicals and “give preference to suppliers who supply environmentally friendly products”. It also suggests:

• Keeping an updated database of hazardous substances;
• Phase out ozone-depleting gases found in older refrigeration and air-conditioning units;
• Using automatic dosing (such as automatic handwash dispensers) to ensure correct amounts of chemicals are used;
• Train staff of safe chemical use and handling.

Australia’s tourism industry is built on a diverse, clean, healthy environment and adopting green practices promises Australia will remain a top tourism destination. For more information on reducing toxic chemicals at tourism venues, contact leading Australian environmental cleaning products company Envirosafe Solutions on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.ret.gov.au/tourism/Documents/Tourism%20and%20Climate%20Change/2141259A_TOURISM_CLIMATE_CHANGE_Workshop%20guide_v12.pdf

A new reference guide will further improve environmental mining standards across the globe. It covers everything from mine site rehabilitation to dust suppression and reducing diesel exhaust emissions (Envirosafe Solutions’ eco-friendly liquid products Soil Wetta-Dust Suppressor and Diesel Bug Killer deal specifically with these problems).

A new guide to sustainable mining practices has been launched by Federal Resources and Energy Minister Martin Ferguson.

The booklet A Guide to Leading Practice Sustainable Development in Mining was launched at the Australian Centre for Sustainable Mining Practices in July.

The new guide draws together the major lessons from a series of best practice handbooks first developed in 1995.

“As a world leader in resource development it is fitting that Australia is also at the forefront of developing best practice when it comes to mine sustainability,” Mr Ferguson said.

“The 14 handbooks produced to date have made a practical contribution to improving mining practices both here and around the world with over 100,000 copies being distributed.

“They have been translated and used as reference material in workshops and conferences as far afield as Afghanistan, Botswana, Ghana, Iceland, Iraq, Mongolia, Peru, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

“This latest publication, as with the earlier handbooks, integrates environmental, economic and social aspects through all phrases of mineral production drawing on expertise from government, industry, academia and non-government organisations.”

The new guide briefly outlines the following key points contained in each of the 14 handbooks:

• Airborne contaminants, noise and vibration which includes the emissions of dust, diesel and silica particulates. Envirosafe Solutions’ Diesel Bug Killer is an eco-friendly liquid product which completely removes water – and oxygen – from fuel sources. This suffocates microscopic contaminants and prevents damage to engine parts while improving fuel efficiency and reducing dangerous exhaust emissions;
• Biodiversity management to protect delicate flora and fauna systems;
• Community engagement and development;
• Cyanide management to minimise health and environment risks in keeping with the International Cyanide Management Code;
• Evaluating performance including detailed environmental impact assessments;
• Hazardous materials management which includes the storage and transportation of chemicals. Each of Envirosafe Solutions’ environmental cleaning products carry a hazard rating on their labels;
• Managing acid and metalliferous drainage to deal with the issue of sulfide oxidation resulting from mining activities;
• Mine closure and completion to reduce the legacy of abandoned mines;
• Mine rehabilitation;
• Risk management;
• Stewardship;
• Tailings management (tailings are mineral waste);
• Water management which can be improved by reducing chemical usage through non-toxic, biodegradable eco-friendly industrial liquids;
• Working with indigenous communities.

The environmental and social legacy from mining can be minimised through careful planning, research and technology.

Australian-developed resources such as the recently released A Guide to Leading Practice Sustainable Development in Mining and booklets are an invaluable resource for mine managers across the globe.

Environmental impacts can be reduced through the use of eco-friendly industrial liquids at mine sites. For more information on Envirosafe Solutions’ Extreme Green mining range call 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://minister.ret.gov.au/MediaCentre/MediaReleases/Pages/GlobalMineSustainability.aspx

http://www.ret.gov.au/resources/Documents/LPSDP/guideLPSD.pdf