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Cumulative Environmental Impact Assessment Industry Guide

In areas of multiple existing or proposed operations, the understanding, assessment and management of cumulative environmental impacts is becoming an area of greater focus by both industry and government.

While the concept of cumulative environmental impact assessment (CIA) is not new, the design of CIA and requirements for project proponents continues to evolve.  The consequences of poorly designed or inappropriate CIA can be significant. These can include increased and unnecessary costs, project delays, loss of community confidence and greater project uncertainty for proponents.

There has been limited policy or industry guidance on how to successfully undertake these complex assessments.  To address this need, the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has developed a Cumulative Environmental Impact Assessment Industry Guide.

The Industry Guide is designed to assist minerals industry professionals.  It will provide a useful reference when future environmental approval processes require cumulative environmental impacts to be considered.