Northparkes named Australia’s first White Ribbon accredited mine
25 November 2016
CMOC-Northparkes Mines named Australia’s first White Ribbon accredited mine
CMOC-Northparkes Mines (Northparkes) has been announced as the first mine in Australia to achieve White Ribbon workplace accreditation. Northparkes has a history of “firsts” including becoming the world’s most automated underground mine in 2015.
Northparkes Managing Director Stefanie Loader said “Our journey towards Zero Harm Operations is a relentless focus across our entire sphere of operation, and our approach to domestic violence is an important part of this philosophy.”
“In 2014, former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick made me aware of the prevalence of domestic violence in Australia. She helped me understand the impact workplaces can have on preventing and responding to domestic violence; I then discovered and made a commitment to the White Ribbon workplaces campaign.
“I would like to thank the entire Northparkes team for their role in creating a workplace culture where family violence is not tolerated. I am so proud that our team is living and breathing the White Ribbon message,” she said.
Northparkes is now officially recognised by White Ribbon Australia as a pioneer in contributing to national cultural change to prevent and respond to violence against women. Accreditation lasts for three years, evidencing an ongoing, sustainable commitment.
Northparkes Manager People, Safety and Environment Angus Wyllie said “Northparkes has been an active and enthusiastic supporter of the White Ribbon campaign for several years.
“At last year’s inaugural White Ribbon marches in our local communities of Parkes and Forbes almost 100 of our employees participated – creating a sea of hi-vis on our streets. In addition, 115 male employees and contractors had their photo taken and added to a “swear the oath” graphic shared on social media,” he said.
Northparkes employees will be marching again today to support the White Ribbon campaign.
To gain accreditation, Northparkes has demonstrated effective leadership, resource allocation, communication, HR policy development and training to create a safer and more respectful workplace, supporting employees to be respectful across all spheres. Organisational evidence has been independently reviewed by external assessors.
About CMOC-Northparkes Mines
Northparkes is Australia’s fourth largest producer of copper and the world’s most automated underground mine. The copper and gold mining operation is located 27 kilometres north-west of Parkes in the Central West of New South Wales, Australia.
Northparkes is a joint venture between China Molybdenum Co., Ltd (CMOC) (80%) and the Sumitomo Groups (20%).
Since 1993 Northparkes has been celebrated for its high-quality copper deposits, low cost operations and loyal, committed people. Today, Northparkes is guided by a vision of a century of mining together.
About White Ribbon Australia
White Ribbon Australia seeks an Australian society in which all women can live in safety, free from violence and abuse.
White Ribbon Australia works through a primary prevention approach to stop violence against women before it happens. We see men as central to this, and support them to work alongside women to demand social change.
Through education, awareness-raising and creative campaigns, prevention programs and partnerships, we highlight the positive role men play in this social movement and support them to stand up, speak out and act to stop men’s violence against women.
ENDS
Media enquiries:
Elysha Loiterton
Northparkes Mines Advisor Community and External Relations
02 6861 3621
