Ivanhoe Mines’ Savage River wins environment award

Ivanhoe Mines’ Savage River iron ore operation in northwestern Tasmania has received an award for environmental excellence.

The award recognizes the company’s success in controlling water runoff from rainfall and treating acid mine drainage before water is released into the Savage River, which flows through the mine property.

Water quality in the river has improved to such an extent that trout have returned to a 20-km stretch that previously would not support aquatic life.

The 30-year-old Savage River mine was acquired four years ago by ABM Mining, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ivanhoe Mines. ABM has upgraded the site by spending more than A$100 million.

The Savage River rehabilitation project is jointly managed by ABM and the Tasmanian government.

Singapore-based Ivanhoe also produces copper, from its Monywa joint venture in Myanmar, and later this summer, the company plans to resume limited gold production at the Bakyrchik mine in Kazakstan.