This group covers R&D directed towards environmentally sustainable exploration, mining, extraction, and processing of mineral resources, other than energy mineral resources, by minimising the generation of wastes and by reducing or optimising the consumption of water and other natural resources.
This group has six objectives:
849801 Management of Gaseous Waste from Mineral Resource Activities (excl. Greenhouse Gases)
849802 Management of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Mineral Resource Activities
849803 Management of Liquid Waste from Mineral Resource Activities (excl. Water)
849804 Management of Solid Waste from Mineral Resource Activities
849805 Management of Water Consumption by Mineral Resource Activities
849899 Environmentally Sustainable Mineral Resource Activities not elsewhere classified
Exclusions:
a) Minimisation of input waste (other than water and energy) is to be categorised according to the objective that benefits from the improvement of input use.
b) Energy conservation and efficiency in mining activities is included in Group 8507 Energy Conservation and Efficiency.
c) Waste handling services such as collection, storage, recycling and disposal provided by local councils or private or non-profit waste management businesses are included in Group 9004 Water and Waste Services.
d) Air quality; control of pests, diseases and exotic species; ecosystem assessment and management; flora, fauna and biodiversity; land and water management; rehabilitation of degraded areas; remnant vegetation and conservation areas; soils; and natural hazards in mining environments are included in Division 96 Environment.