The fast tracked mine development strategy attempts to blend feasibility studies and engineering/commissioning functions into a streamlined process. In this compressed process, environmental issues are difficult to control with respect to the optimisation of operational environmental performance. This paper presents a standard mine development process with specific focus on environmental issues, and contrasts this against Rio Tinto's recent fast track experiences on the Hail Creek project (Australia), the Baranj project (India) and the Gokwe North project (Zimbabwe).