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Community Engagement

Code of Practice for Community & Stakeholder Engagement

SACOME launched the updated Code of Practice for Community & Stakeholder Engagement at the Annual Resources Industry Dinner on April 30 2012.

Outlining the fundamental principles for conducting socially responsbile operations, the Code guides implementation of national and worldwide leading practice in sustainable development. It is an effective means for building community relationships and a key pillar of sustainable development in the resources industry.

Although the Code is not a prescriptive document and serves no regulatory function, it is a useful tool for SACOME industry members to demonstrate their commitment to community and stakeholder relations. The principles outlined in the Code are good practice for all companies and SACOME encourages all of our industry members to sign up to the code.

To view the Code of Practice for Community & Stakeholder Engagment, click here.

To view an article explaining the Code, click here.

Lewis Stoll, HSE&C Project Officer, SACOME, on 08 8202 9999 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Case Studies

Community and stakeholder engagement is a critical pillar for the sustainability of the resources industry in South Australia. Resources companies understand the need to act in a socially responsible way - often referred to as 'the social licence to operate' - and use tools such as the SACOME Code of Practice for Community & Stakeholder Engagement as a guide to build relationships with the communities in which they operate.

There are many examples of SACOME member companies who constantly consult with the community before, during and after a mining operation, which assists with the day-to-day running of the mine and often results in the innovation of new technologies to address any concerns raised. Below are some case studies canvassing the different approaches in which companies have made towards community and stakeholder engagement.

Penrice Soda Products - Angaston operations

Penrice Soda Products - Angaston operations

Penrice Soda Products operates its high grade limestone mine approximately three kilometres from the Angaston town centre in the Barossa Valley, supplying products used in a variety of industries such as chemical, glass, cement/lime, mining, metals, building and construction, and environmental control/water purification. Chemical grade limestone istransported via rail to the Penrice Soda Products Osborne operation in Adelaide’s north western suburbs for the manufacture of Soda Ash and Sodium Bicarbonate. The Angaston mine is the largest limestone mine in South Australia.

Premier's Social Inclusion & Social Participation Awards

The winners of the Premiers Awards announced at SACOME's Annual Resources Industry Dinner on April 30 2012 were OZ Minerals for Social Inclusion and Santos for Social Participation.

The inaugural awards, recognising the contributions of South Australia's mining and energy sector to the social wellbeing of communities, was judged by a panel of key industry, government and community representatives.

To view the Media Release click here

Community Engagement Seminar May 2012

In conjunction with the launch of the updated Code of Practice for Community and Stakeholder engagement, SACOME held a workshop for members on 23 May 2012 at the Crowne Plaza, Adelaide.

In a similar format to the previous community engagement workshop held by SACOME in 2008, members were briefed on the key aspects underpinning successful Community & Stakeholder engagement in the minerals and energy sectors from a variety of perspectives including the Department for Manufacturing Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy (DMITRE), Community Engagement Group Australia (CEGA), REX Minerals and SACOME.

Yorke Peninsula Agribusiness Consultant Jamie Smith and Quenten Aigus of the Adjahdura Ngaranga Heritage Group also discussed their experiences with minerals and exploration companies wishing to access land on the Yorke Peninsula and ways to strengthen the dialogue between all parties.

The presentations are available below:

Agribusiness Risk Management

This is Our Story

This is Our Story is a new website launched in 2011 designed to promote the success of employment in the Australian mining industry and its contribution to rural communities, and the economy.

Through personal stories and videos we see how the mining industry has supported Australians, through both employment and community programs.

For more information visit http://www.thisisourstory.com.au

Community Engagement Resources

Enduring Value: The Australian Minerals Industry Framework for Sustainable Development (currently under review) - http://www.minerals.org.au/focus/sustainable_development/enduring_value

Principles for Engagement with Communities and Stakeholders - http://www.ret.gov.au/resources/Documents/mcmpr/Principles_for_Engagement_with_Communities_and_Stakeholders.pdf

e3Plus - A Framework for Responsible Exploration - http://www.pdac.ca/e3plus/index.aspx

The following presentations are from the SACOME Community Engagement Workshop held on 15 August 2008.

NOTE: These presentations have been kindly provided to SACOME for display on our website, however please do not reproduce, alter, or publish without permission of the authors.

Indigenous Community Consultation During Exploration - Mithril Resources

Engaging with an Urban Community from Exploration to Production - Hillgrove Resources

Community Engagement - The Way Forward by Ross Sawers - OZ Minerals

Community Engagement Presented by Gerard Bosch - Australian Zircon

A Read Reckoner - Benefits and Costs of Community Engagement Presented by Prof Barry Burgan - University of Adelaide

The Important Role of Public Consultation in Gaining Legislative and Social Licences to Operate - PIRSA

Community Engagement Tools and Third Party Accreditation - CEGA

Environment & Social