In 1990, Alcoa of Australia Limited was elected to the Global 500
Roll of Honour of the United Nations Environment Program for
the environmental management and rehabilitation of the bauxite
mines in Western Australia. This award placed Alcoa in the
international best practice category. The story of constant improvement spans more than 20 years
from a 'trial and error' start to a strategically focussed and
research driven program today. The main driving force has come
from within the company, against a set of strong corporate values
and a well publicised Vision based on 'excellence through
quality'. Along the way public opinion, action group protests,
increased legislative controls together with the professional
competence of internal and external environmental resources
have all played a part in arriving at the level of current
environmental management and mine rehabilitation performance. There were numerous lessons learned here during the evolution
and maintenance of best practice. These included: I . To work diligently in obtaining a vision or strategic intent
on mine site rehabilitation and environmental management
- don't be easily dissuaded.