RIO Tinto Iron Ore has welcomed the Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) decision to endorse the proposed Mesa A/Warramboo mine as environmentally acceptable.
The decision follows an earlier recommendation in March 2007 against the proposed mine, on the grounds that there was then insufficient information to conclude that the environment would be protected.
In particular, the EPA was concerned about certain troglofauna species identified within the proposed mining area, and whether there was sufficient protection for landscape conservation.
“Rio Tinto recognises that species biodiversity is a very important issue and we undertook an extensive sampling program for troglofauna,” RTIO Expansion Projects managing director Warwick Smith said.
Following the results of this sampling program, and further habitat characterisation, additional changes were made to the proposed mine plan.
“This is good news and we look forward to the matter being fully and finally resolved as soon as possible,” Robe River managing director Jack Sato said.
To download the Supplementary Report (Further Troglofauna Sampling at. Mesa A) — Mesa A / Warramboo Iron Ore Project, Public. Environmental Review (September 2006), click here.
Key contact:
Gervase Greene
Rio Tinto
08 9327 2975
0408 098 572