A guide to leading practice sustainable development in mining

Advantages to addressing cumulative impacts over the lifecycle of a project can
include developing relationships with local communities and regulators, and placing
biodiversity values into context.
Another example where land degraded by agricultural activities can have its
biodiversity values enhanced is the former Junction Reefs mine in central NSW
(see LP Biodiversity p.17). Before mining, the site was mostly degraded farm
land. Through post-mining rehabilitation Junction Reefs Gold Mine intended to
create eucalypt woodland with a grassy understorey, characteristic of the original
woodlands prior to pastoral use.
Figure 5.6 Belubula River, Junction Reefs mine
The Community and Closure
Community engagement
Arriving at an agreed final land use for rehabilitated mine sites involves the careful
balancing of competing demands from regulators, local residents and the wider
community. The aim of community and engagement and consultation on the final
land use is to arrive at an agreed set of objectives for the site that will allow the
company to relinquish the site in a manner that meets regulatory requirements
and satisfies community expectations. Progressive rehabilitation is the life-of-mine
process that enables final land use objectives to be achieved. The Gregory Crinum
mine is located 60km north east of the rural centre of Emerald and 375km northwest
of Gladstone in Queensland and consists of two mines. Operations at the Gregory
open-pit mine commenced in 1979, while the nearby Crinum underground mine
opened in 1995. Both mines are operated by BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA).
The open-pit and underground operations feed coal to a single preparation plant and
rail load-out. The mines are situated in an area that has been extensively cleared
for grazing and agriculture, but also contains areas of remnant vegetation, some of
which have conservation value due to their scarcity. The community consultation
methods used by BMA to develop its mine life plan are a good example of how
existing mining operations can improve practices and involve stakeholders in helping
to make key decisions on long-term land-use issues (see LP Rehabilitation p.6).
138 LEADING PRACTICE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR THE MINING INDUSTRY