The Sandy Ridge Advanced Sustainability precinct is the first licenced disposal facility for radioactive waste in Australia, and the first commercial geological repository for the permanent isolation of hazardous and intractable materials. The project has been approved to accept up to 280,000 tonnes of hazardous material annually, including disused sealed radioactive sources, radioactive liquids and solids, and naturally occurring radioactive materials.
The Judging Panel recognised the complexity of the project in managing low-level radioactive waste and commended the robust safety record set by Tellus Holdings. The Panel further commended Tellus for establishing the first national-scale operational pathway to remove hazardous waste and making the technology viable. In addition, the Panel noted Tellus’ partnerships with circular economy research organisations and dedication to continue to drive innovation through its Sandy Ridge Labs capability.