Gindalbie prides itself on recognising the values and qualities of the environment where it conducts its activities. It has thoroughly studied and documented the biodiversity, ecological significance and heritage values of the Mid West region.
Environmental management is integrated into all aspects of Gindalbie’s activities and is conducted in accordance with Government laws and applications. Our initiatives often go beyond compliance and beyond the boundaries of our projects.
Gindalbie’s environmental objective is to maintain the abundance, diversity, geographic distribution and productivity of flora and fauna at species and ecosystem levels. We will minimise any impact or potential impact on native flora and vegetation at the Karara minesite.
Karara Mining Limited (KML) has optimised the footprint of the Karara Iron Ore Project and associated infrastructure, to reduce vegetation clearing and minimise potential impacts upon native fauna.
Fauna
KML’s Environmental Management System (EMS) contains effective management measures to minimise potential impacts upon native fauna, including trenching restrictions, waste management and feral animal control. For conservation significant species, specific management strategies have been developed which include some of the following:
- Western Spiny-tailed Skink colonies within disturbance areas will be translocated; and
- Malleefowl mounds in disturbance areas will be checked for eggs. If present, the eggs will be incubated on site and the chicks released.
Monitoring programs will be established prior to construction for conservation significant fauna species, where it is determined that the Project could potentially impact those species. Information gathered during fauna surveys will be used to develop appropriate monitoring programs.
Flora
Comprehensive flora and vegetation surveys of the Project area identified 24 species of priority flora and two species of Declared Rare Flora (DRF).
One DRF species (Tecticornia bulbosa) is present near the western end of the Karara to Tilley rail spur. A survey to determine the extent of the population identified approximately 47,730 individual plants occupying a narrow band 2 km in length. The rail spur was re-designed to avoid the DRF, and will not have a direct impact.
KML’s Environmental Management System (EMS) contains effective management measures to minimise potential impacts upon native flora and vegetation. These include ground disturbance procedures, weed management, feral animal management and fire control.
Native flora and vegetation, in particular priority flora and DRF, will be monitored for indirect impacts including dust deposition and hydrological changes.
Upon completion of construction and operations, progressive rehabilitation with native species will occur. KML is developing a rehabilitation plan incorporating specialist advice and engagement with land managers for the ongoing management of rehabilitated areas.