A new framework guiding successful mine closures and restoration projects has been developed by a partnership between scientists, regulators and the mining industry.

Released by the Western Australian Biodiversity Science Institute (WABSI), the report is the first of its kind in Australia, and will contribute to better social and environmental outcomes once a mine is closed.

Report co-author Dr Rachel Standish from Murdoch University said the framework provides mining companies and regulators like the Environmental Protection Agency with clear examples of how land can be transitioned from mining to development, agricultural or conservation use.

“There are more than 50,000 abandoned mines in Australia, many of which are found in Western Australia. Several sites have yet to be rehabilitated or re-purposed in a way that’s valued by the local community,” Dr Standish said.

“There is increasing societal pressure for mining companies to ensure the land they leave behind is rehabilitated and contributes to biodiversity conservation or can be used by future generations for another purpose.

Developing this report in collaboration with industry and regulators ensures we were able to develop a meaningful and achievable set of guidelines within an operational framework.

“This framework will guide mine closure planning and improve the practice of rehabilitation and ecological restoration in Western Australia. It can also guide national and international efforts.”

A plant ecologist, Dr Standish has worked with Alcoa on restoration of jarrah forest after bauxite mining, guiding the use of fertilisers to ensure a variety of native species could be successfully re-established.

Alcoa’s long established work to rehabilitate mine sites in the Northern Jarrah Forest was highlighted as one of three case studies in the report in a chapter led by Dr Standish. BHP Billiton’s site in Goldsworthy and Mount Gibson Iron’s site at Tallering Peak east of Geraldton were also highlighted.

Positive outcomes of rehabilitation

Dr Standish said rehabilitating mine sites can be hampered by erosion, lack of top soil, unpredictable weather caused by climate change and gaps in scientific knowledge including germination requirements of native seeds.

“The experience of the mining companies featured in our case studies proved that research can help to overcome these challenges and moreover, that rehabilitation success was driven by the carrot (innovation), rather than the stick (regulation),” she said.

“Each of the companies featured in our case studies show the positive outcomes of pursuing and achieving rehabilitation goals beyond the minimum standard. Such efforts are vital to help maintain the unique biodiversity of our state.”

The framework, titled the Western Australian Completion Criteria Report, can be downloaded from the WABSI website.