Various influences determine how an Environmental Management System (EMS) for
a mining or petroleum project is developed and administered. These influences
include the environmental and resource legislation applying to the project, the
culture of the organisation, the environmental sensitivity of the area, and the
administrative policies of the regulatory agencies involved. While financial
penalties and even imprisonment may be imposed for non-compliance with
environmental legislation, there are other compelling reasons for the
establishment of an effective EMS. If a company wishes to be considered by
Governments for the grant of exploration or mining rights, it is important that
it can demonstrate environmentally responsible operations at existing
facilities. The development of an effective EMS requires commitment from the
Board of the company and the issue of an Environmental Policy to empower all
levels of the staff and workforce to achieve environmentally responsible
operations. This must be supported by the provision of appropriate human and
financial resources, and environmental training of staff at all levels from the
Board to the mine site, workshop and office. A regular environmental auditing
programme is essential to ensure that the EMS is in place and is effective in
achieving compliance with regulatory requirements, corporate policies and
protection of the environment.
An EMS can be developed on the basis of existing management systems, quality
management systems, existing and emerging environmental management standards
(such as BS7750 and ISOI4000), or sophisticated computerised systems which may
incorporate international experience, standards, and codes of
practice.