Newmont Corporation has announced that its Cadia operation in New South Wales, Australia, has achieved The Copper Mark and The Molybdenum Mark following an independent assessment, recognising responsible production practices at Australia’s largest underground mine.

Cadia is Newmont’s first site globally to receive the award after successfully meeting more than 30 criteria needed in critical areas including environment, community, human rights and governance, among others, it says.

Newmont’s Cadia mine is the nation’s second largest copper producer and the third site in Australia to receive The Copper Mark. Cadia is the only operating mine producing molybdenum in Australia and, thus, the only mine to receive The Molybdenum Mark.

Newmont Chief Safety and Sustainability Officer, Suzy Retallack, said: “Meeting growing global demand for copper brings an obligation to sustainability and responsible mining which prioritises environmental stewardship, social responsibility and economic development for the communities in which we operate.

“We take great pride in being at the forefront of the copper industry with The Copper Mark, which highlights our dedication to responsible production and transparency.

“This means our global customers can now choose to source copper concentrate from an independently evaluated mine that meets the highest standards in environmental, social and governance practices, responding to the increasing demand for sustainable supply chains.”

In 2020, Cadia entered into a 15-year renewable Power Purchase Agreement with Tilt Renewables Limited to buy 55% of the wind farm’s output. Now fully operational, Rye Park is supplying approximately half of Cadia’s power needs.

“Cadia’s commitment to the community supported an investment of almost A$6 million ($3.96 million) in the 18 months to December 2023 to support community projects, education and infrastructure,” Retallack said.

The Copper Mark’s Executive Director, Michèle Brülhart, said, “Congratulations to the team of Cadia for being the third site in Australia to achieve The Copper Mark and the first site to get The Molybdenum Mark. With this, about 35% of Australia’s copper is produced at sites that have obtained The Copper Mark.”

The Copper Mark says it is the leading assurance framework to promote responsible, sustainable and ethical practices across the copper, molybdenum, nickel and zinc value chains.

Cadia comprises the Cadia East underground mine, which is one of the largest gold and copper deposits in the world, and Ridgeway underground mine, currently in care and maintenance.