Resources

In 2008, Australia was the world's third largest producer of gold and fourth largest producer of copper.

Gold is widely used in electronics as shielding to reduce heat and glare, in the health technology industry, and in jewellery. Copper is used in electronics and communications, pipes, heat conductors, fungicides and pesticides, fertilisers, and in making bronze and brass.

Australian Industry Structure

Australia’s gold resources occur and are mined in all States and in the Northern Territory. There are approximately 58 operating gold mines in Australia. Major firms in the Australian gold industry include Newcrest Mining Ltd, Newmont Mining and Barrick Gold.

Australia has major copper mining and smelting operations at Olympic Dam (South Australia) and Mt Isa (Queensland). Other significant copper producing operations are at:

• North Parkes and Cadia-Ridgeway (New South Wales)
• Golden Grove and Nifty (Western Australia)
• Ernest Henry, Osborne and Mt Gordon (Queensland)
• Mt Lyell (Tasmania).

Copper refineries are operated at Townsville, Olympic Dam and Port Pirie (a small refinery subsidiary to the large lead-zinc refinery). Various methods of smelting are used to convert the concentrates to copper metal. Major firms in the Australian copper industry include Xstrata, BHP Billiton, Newcrest Mining Ltd and Aditya Birla.

International Engagement

Most gold-containing ores comprise of finely divided gold particles within other minerals, commonly sulphides. The gold extraction process separates and concentrates the gold. Depending on gold mineralogy and deportment, gold is usually separated from the other constituents of the ore by chemical dissolution in cyanide.

The development and implementation of the International Cyanide Management Code is the important and responsible action by gold producers, cyanide manufacturers and associated transportation companies. The Code provides comprehensive guidance for best practice in the use and management of cyanide at gold mines around the world and reaches beyond the requirements of most governments and regulatory agencies. Information about the Code can be obtained from the International Cyanide Management Codewebsite.

The Department has also published a handbook as part of the Leading Practice Sustainable Development Program for the Mining Industry on Cyanide Management. This can be obtained from the Department's Leading Practice Sustainable Development Program for the Mining Industry webpage.