SWISS-based mining giant Xstrata says it will implement the recommendations of a report detailing the results of tests for lead levels in young children in the northwest Queensland city of Mount Isa.
Queensland Health`s report showed 45 children out of a sample of 400 young children under four had elevated blood lead level levels, which can impair behavioural and intellectual development.
Chief operating officer for Xstrata Copper North Queensland Steve de Kruijff said the company welcomed the recommendations contained in the report, particularly those regarding ongoing monitoring and reporting of children`s lead levels in the city.
"We support the report`s recommendations and will work with Queensland Health, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Mt Isa City Council and the Mt Isa community to continue to ensure the health and safety of everyone in our workplace and the community," Mr de Kruijff said.
The company had provided free confidential blood tests to community members through the Queensland Medical Laboratory, Mr de Kruijff said.
"We are also undertaking a number of environmental initiatives including the independent Whole of Emissions Study which comprises a series of studies about pathways of lead into the community, removing historical mine sediments from the Leichhardt River, conducting the Smelter Emissions Project to improve emissions capture and treatment from our smelters and continuously improving the environmental performance of our operations," he said.
Xstrata had already spent more than $200 million on more than 80 environmental initiatives since its involvement with subsidiary Mt Isa Mines (MIM) began in 2003, he said.
"Xstrata has a strong track record of working closely with government and community groups in Mt Isa and is a founding member of the advisory group, the Living with Lead Alliance," Mr de Kruijff said.
Mr de Kruijff said Xstrata would also look at new ways to provide information to the community about minimising their exposure to lead.
