The Environmental Protection Authority has recommended strict conditional approval for a new iron ore mine on the Mt Gibson Range.
Mount Gibson Mining Limited proposes to mine from the Iron Hill and Iron Hill South deposits. The life of the mine, located about 270 kilometres east-south-east of Geraldton, is for two to three years.
EPA Chairman Dr Tom Hatton said as the Mt Gibson Range comprises of a series of Banded Iron Formation (BIF) ridges, which provide specialised habitats for plants, animals and ecological communities, the independent board had also included advice in its report that ridges in the southern portion of Mt Gibson Range should be protected in a formal conservation estate.
“In carefully examining this proposal, the EPA considered that given the Rare Flora species and the biodiversity values of the Mt Gibson Range, particularly in the southern portion of the Range known as Mount Gibson, Gibson Hill and Mount Gibson South, this area should be protected as a class A nature reserve,” Dr Hatton said.
“This formal protection will ensure there is a comprehensive, adequate and secure representation of scarce or endangered habitats within the Mt Gibson Range.”
Dr Hatton said the proposal was assessed as a Public Environmental Review and examined the potential environmental impacts of three key factors _ Flora and Vegetation, Rehabilitation and Decommissioning and Offsets.
The EPA had recommended seven conditions including ensuring no adverse impacts on significant flora and vegetation outside the development envelope and a condition for an appropriate offsets plan.
The EPA’s report to the Minister for Environment is now open for a two-week public appeal period, closing August 1, 2016. Appeals are administered independently by the Appeals Convenor and can be made at www.appealsconvenor.wa.gov.au
The Minister for Environment will make a decision on the proposal.
EPA Report 1570 is available at www.epa.wa.gov.au
Media Contact: Nadia Miraudo 0400 866 450
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