The Environmental Protection Authority has today recommended approval for a new mineral sands mine in the Midwest.
EPA Chairman Paul Vogel said the Tronox Management Pty Ltd proposal aimed to develop and operate six mine pits, operating plant and supporting infrastructure about 25 kilometres south-east of Dongara.
Dr Vogel said the mine had been assessed at the highest level and a set of conditions had been recommended.
“Throughout this proposal, the EPA assessed the potential impacts to flora, vegetation and fauna including habitat for Carnaby’s Cockatoo,” Dr Vogel said.
“The EPA found there would be impacts to local populations of Priority flora species and important wetlands, which support Carnaby’s Cockatoo foraging habitat.
“The location and authorised extent of native vegetation clearing will be limited and clearing is not expected to change the conservation status of Priority flora species.
“However, a significant residual impact remains when considering the clearing of the native vegetation in the proposal area in the context of cumulative impacts from agricultural and mining land uses in the Midwest.
“For this reason, the EPA has recommended an offset condition.”
Dr Vogel said the EPA had also recommended a condition to ensure that the proponent developed a Groundwater Dependent Vegetation Monitoring and Management Plan with the aim of protecting groundwater dependent vegetation.
The plan will specify monitoring details as well as actions and strategies to be implemented should surveys indicate a decline in the health of vegetation.
Rehabilitation and closure of the mine would be regulated and managed by the Department of Mines and Petroleum.
The EPA’s report to the Minister for Environment is now open for a two-week public appeal period, closing June 18, 2013. Appeals can be made at www.appealsconvenor.wa.gov.au
The Minister for Environment will make the final decision.
As the Commonwealth Government is also assessing the proposal, Commonwealth approval will also be required for the proposal to proceed.
EPA Report 1478 is available at www.epa.wa.gov.au
Media Contact: Nadia Miraudo 0400 866 450
