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 its communities to address areas of community need.

XCQ implements a combined Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSEC) Management System in line with Xstrata’s 17 HSEC standards. These standards have also been cross mapped with the Minerals Council of Australia Enduring Value Principles for sustainable development.

Xstrata Coal Queensland (XCQ) has been working closely with 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 community concerns about the Project.

Our Contribution to the Economy

The proposed Wandoan Coal Project has the potential to provide significant opportunities for the surrounding communities and Queensland economy, via new employment, infrastructure improvements, Government royalties and flow on effects to businesses in the local Taroom, Wandoan and Miles areas.

In addition, the Surat Basin Coal Value Chain, which includes the Wandoan Project, the rail connection to the Gladstone Port, the increase in capacity at Wiggins Island and the possibility of a new port development at Port Alma, will also 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 Wandoan economy transition from being solely reliant on agriculture, to being a robust, mixed economy with strong foundations in mining, service provision, infrastructure and agriculture.

Our Community Contribution

Xstrata Coal 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 second consecutive year in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index 2008/09. 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.

The proposed Wandoan project has the potential to provide significant opportunities for the surrounding communities and Queensland economy, via its potential for new employment, infrastructure improvements, Government royalties and flow on effects to businesses in the local Taroom, Wandoan and Miles areas.

To read more about the project’s potential contribution to the local community, see fact sheet: 'How we contribute to your local community'.