Mining Industry in Australia: Social and Environmental Impacts

This literature review examines the environmental and social impacts of the Australian mining industry. It discusses the industry's significant contribution to the economy alongside its adverse effects on the environment, including threats to natural beauty, biodiversity, and water resources. The review analyzes articles addressing specific mining projects, such as those near the Great Barrier Reef and in Kimberley, highlighting concerns about population growth, resource depletion, and the potential impact on endangered species and groundwater. It further explores environmental rehabilitation and mine closure practices, emphasizing the importance of corporate social responsibility, government regulations, and community involvement. The review concludes by underscoring the need for a balanced approach that considers both economic benefits and environmental preservation, advocating for sustainable mining practices and effective mine closure strategies to mitigate risks and ensure responsible industry operations.

Industry and Problem: Australian industry
MINING problem -Social and
Environmental Issues
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Literature Review:
Australia is geographically enriched with different mineral resources, which includes gold,
natural gas, coal, diamond, copper, uranium and many others. These mining resources are
basic reason for large scale immigration. Immigration started in early nineteenth century from
Europe, New Zealand (Oxfordbusinessgroup, 2016). These immigrant communities started
settling in Australia and became part of Australian population over the years. One of the basic
resources on which Australian economy is largely depending is the core segment of mining
industry. It contributes 54% of total goods and services which is $138 billion per annum.
Mining industry employs 2% of the workforce directly and much more people indirectly.
Like any other industry, Mining industry also has environmental and social issues (Abs,
2015).
1. Mining and the environment: the future of Australia’s brand
The Conversation published an article on Mining and the environment: the future of
Australia’s brand on July 11, 2012 2.48pm AEST. This article has stated that mining in
Australia has a major impact on economy as it has contributed to 8.4% of GDP in 2009-10.
This industry is causing adverse impact on environment. Australian tourism depends on
natural beauty of environment. Tourism sector plays an important factor in Australian
economy as Australian tourism has made presence in world tourism as a big brand. This
article has tried to emphasize on explaining with exploration about continued coexistence
without altering one another. There are debates on recent mining proposals on environmental
and social issues (Adams, 2012).
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The Great Barrier Reef and Purnululu National Park are known for their natural beauty and
biological diversity (Edreams, 2016). They are very important economic resources with
continued contribution to immense environmental values. They have cultural values also. For
these reasons these two sites are World Heritage sites. Kimberley is known for no recorded
mammals and thus is very important in Anthology also. The Great Barrier Reef has a large
contribution in gross domestic product to Australia. Two mining projects were to start there
namely Alpha Coal and James Price Point gas hub (Wahlquist, 2015). UNESCO has given
alarming report on The Great Barrier Reef. This report reiterated that bio diversity in this area
is in danger due to mining activities. Mining activities lead population growth, deceasing
natural resources, shipping activities as all are important factors and results of mining sector.
There are two other projects including Kevin’s Corner Projects and China First which has
similar impacts on environments. Open coal project may wipe out all natural inhabitants from
there, which leads to nature refuge. Kimberley has the heritage listed dinosaur traces and may
have been threatened by proposed gas hub. The Environment Minister of Australia, Burke
has ceased the movement on these projects to properly review the impacts on this natural bio
diversity (Adams, 2012).
The article clearly has mentioned that the James Price Point gas hub can be replaced in other
site as mining proposals are always site specific. It’s not necessary that gas hub must be
opened in Kimberley only; it can be opened in any alternate place like Pilbara which has less
environmental issues. There is a policy to protect whales, turtles and other aquatic animals.
This policy is known as Woodside Environment Policy. This policy has to be reconsidered if
the James Price Point gas hub proposal would move further (Weber, 2015).
This article has stated great concern about locals residing there. There are several tribal
groups in Australia who are taking care of such places where all these mining sites are
proposed. These local people are landholders of these sites. But the article couldn’t give
answer whether locals have a good or bad impact on these mining projects. In fact it has
clearly stated its confusion and doesn’t have any stand for local in this issue. But the article
has shown its concern over these issues. It has stated the total estimated value to be spent for
the community living there. It even acknowledged that Woodside work has concern for active
lock and gate. But somehow there is no consensus till now according to this article and that’s
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true in every sense. These mining proposals have negative impact on social and
environmental issues, but at the same time they can facilitate public interests to a larger
extent. It has real opinion that mining is important for economy but at the same time tourism
is a branding also. It also has a great impact on economy. So preservation is very important
but neglecting mining may harm the economy. Australia cannot afford to lose either of two
for sake of one. So to maintain the reputation of the country, Environment Ministry has to
think over its decision and that’s the spirit of this article (McHugh, 2017).
2. Shenhua mine could affect groundwater and trees several kilometres
away, study finds
The ABC NEWS has published an article about Shenhua mine could affect groundwater and
trees several kilometres away, study finds by Angela Lavoipierre Posted 8 Sep 2015, 3:20pm.
This article has stated that research has found about affecting ground water by open cut
mines. This specific ground water crisis can cause normal living of the trees up to several
kilometres. This research may have impact on Shenhua Coal mines, which is proposed to be
open-cut mine. But the mine has received conditional approval from the Australian
Government. Researcher Dr Sebastian Pfautsch of University of Western Sydney told that the
coal project should be further assessed on environmental hazards in long term. He clearly
gave his view and quoting him, the article is telling that Pilbara were affected by severe drop
in the water table in long run which is a risk for natural vegetation there. Australia has
scarcity in ground water level, so further decrease may toll in future for sure. It is the second
driest continent in the world. He pointed out that reducing in water table depends directly on
the depth of the mines (Lavoipierre, 2015).
Although Federal Government has cleared its proposal but it has been challenged in the New
South Wales Land and Environment Court. Dr Pfautsch told that the actual mine area is
different from what they proposed. It seems that Shenhua have not considered all the possible
effects of dropping the water level outside the mine site. The article showed that Dr Pfautch
is worried as this forest includes some of the endangered box gum woodland. He also stated
that to have a clear view on effectiveness, one has to study the dropping of water table of the
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whole area, not only the mine site itself. Tim Duddy from Caroona Coal Action also
supported Dr Pfautch. He added further with his observation that trees around mine projects
has the tendency to die which emphasizes on the correct inference by this research. Water
sources are now reducing to shallow water level which endangers the vegetative. This has
impact not only on trees rather on other species living in water also. In large scale, the
shallow aquifers have huge impacts on the bio-diversity. Dr Pfautsch's work showed that
Shenhua did not conduct its research homework and thus gave an incomplete view
(Lavoipierre, 2015).
This article is giving one sided review and not giving any solution or further strategic
resources to tackle the problem in future. It stated only a research paper based on one’s
perspective but did not mention the relevant points to cope up with all hazards caused by
dewatering through mining sites. But it surely highlighted the important facts that mining
projects are reducing water level- not only of the mining sites but also from around the
mining sites also (Chan, 2015).
3. Environmental rehabilitation and mine closure
The AusIIM BULETINE has published an article about Environmental rehabilitation and
mine closure By Chris Davis FAusIMM (CP), AusIMM Board member and Board
representative on the Community and Environment Society committee on February, 2015.
This article stated Exciting changes in environmental policy for mine rehabilitation and
emerging closure of the mines. In this process AusIIM members have played a crucial role. It
is a long time practice that miners have always rehabilitated their mine sites. They did not get
success every time but they tried to fulfil their commitment. Each company has different
perception for the community, world and environment. Thus responsibility towards
environment and society has been changed. So rehabilitation process also varies from
company to company. Most important factor is whether the company has willingness to
invest in rehabilitation process or not. This investment for environment actually has no profit
making process for company rather it is a social responsibility of a company
(Ausimmbulletin, 2015).
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In this article, it has mentioned that company has to take financial burden to overcome the
process of rehabilitation. This rehabilitation is sum of legislative framework and willingness
of regulators. Government as well as the community has expectations to save environment
and society. Mining company needs efficient people with modern rehabilitation technologies.
In some societies, both parties come together to rebuild the environment to cope up the loss
during mining. But mostly poor outcomes are common as mining companies have little
interest beyond profit making process. So mine closure is less prioritized in Australian
community. So there is a big question which is arising on their unacceptable legacy. This
situation is leaving many mining sites abandoned and with danger. It is not a legacy issue in
Australia only but around the world also as this subject generates debate and controversy.
This article discussed why people have negative impact on mine closure and why it has been
found failed over the years with insufficient efforts (Abc, 2015).
This article has clearly mentioned the process of mine closure in two very good publications:
‘Mine Closure and Completion Handbook’ of The Australian Government publication and
‘Planning for Integrated Mine Closure Toolkit’ of the International Council on Mining &
Metals (ICMM) (Icmm, 2017).
Both have explained all the possible options, their approach and how to negotiate. As the
leading institute, the AusIIM has entitled with best practices for all mineral professionals.
Many AusIIM members are expert in this field. They are ready to involve in environmental
rehabilitation and mine closure process. They have community, they have platform for debate
to make people aware about specific risks of improper mine closure. They adopted several
policies after many debates and conferences (Saunders et al., 2016).
The article is good enough to make people understand the necessity of mine closure in the
process of environmental rehabilitation. It stated how this works with all legal inputs and the
corporate social responsibility. This article highlighted all the disputed cases with possible
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outcomes to meet the both ends. Many times Government reviewed their policy framework
and started afresh to resolve the issue. The article is one of best in its subject as it stated all
the positive and negative aspects and never tried to give any predetermined conclusion
anywhere. It tried to reduce the negative perspective of mining companies as people can think
that mining is responsible for environmental hazards. This may lead to diminishing mining
projects in the country. Mining is one of most important sector in Australia and one cannot
afford to stop all mining activities. This article has emphasized on mine closure practice with
all advocating helps from minerals professionals to set up mining projects with eases by
mitigating the risks of environmental and social hazards (Scribd, 2015).
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References:
Abc, 2015. Environmental rehabilitation and mine closure. [Online] Available at:
https://www.ausimmbulletin.com/feature/environmental-rehabilitation-and-mine-closure/
[Accessed 19 August 2017].
Abs, 2015. Year Book Australia. [Online] Available at:
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/0/A87235503230FA5BCA25773700169CC5?
opendocument [Accessed 15 August 2017].
Adams, V., 2012. Mining and the environment: the future of Australia’s brand. [Online]
Available at: http://theconversation.com/mining-and-the-environment-the-future-of-
australias-brand-8094 [Accessed 15 August 2017].
Adams, V., 2012. Mining vs the environment: a great Aussie battle? [Online] Available at:
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/business-spectator/mining-vs-the-environment-a-
great-aussie-battle/news-story/03ff535007b87ea3c346b30fa19e502b?
nk=f71dd677882c036589fc42a4e050c114-1503246479 [Accessed 19 August 2017].
Ausimmbulletin, 2015. Environmental rehabilitation and mine closure. [Online] Available at:
https://www.ausimmbulletin.com/feature/environmental-rehabilitation-and-mine-closure/
[Accessed 15 August 2017].
Chan, G., 2015. Diverted groundwater near mines may cause trees to die of thirst, study
finds. [Online] Available at:
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/sep/08/diverted-groundwater-near-mines-
may-cause-trees-to-die-of-thirst-study-finds [Accessed 19 August 2017].
Edreams, 2016. Best National Parks in Australia. [Online] Available at:
http://www.edreams.com/best-national-parks-australia/ [Accessed 19 August 2017].
Icmm, 2017. About Icmm. [Online] Available at: https://www.icmm.com/en-gb/about-us
[Accessed 19 August 2017].
Lavoipierre, A., 2015. Shenhua mine could affect groundwater and trees several kilometres
away, study finds. [Online] Available at: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-08/impact-on-
groundwater-could-extend-further-than-proposed-shenhu/6759152 [Accessed 15 August
2017].
Lavoipierre, A., 2015. Shenhua mine could affect groundwater and trees several kilometres
away, study finds. [Online] Available at: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-08/impact-on-
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groundwater-could-extend-further-than-proposed-shenhu/6759152 [Accessed 19 August
2017].
McHugh, B., 2017. Next mining boom in Australia will be driven by tech metals for
renewable energy and technologies. [Online] Available at:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2017-04-17/next-mining-boom-in-australia-is-tech-
metals/8443172 [Accessed 19 August 2017].
Oxfordbusinessgroup, 2016. Myanmar's holds a diverse mix of mineral resources. [Online]
Available at: https://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/overview/treasure-trove-complex-
geography-provides-diverse-mix-rich-minerals [Accessed 19 August 2017].
Saunders, M., McHenry, M., Sequeira, A. & Mtegha, H., 2016. Integrating mine closure
planning with environmental impact assessment: challenges and opportunities drawn from
African and Australian practice. [Online] Available at:
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14615517.2016.1176407 [Accessed 19 August
2017].
Scribd, 2015. Environmental rehabilitation and mine closure. [Online] Available at:
https://www.scribd.com/document/257677440/Environmental-rehabilitation-and-mine-
closure [Accessed 19 August 2017].
Wahlquist, C., 2015. Plan for liquid natural gas hub at James Price Point in WA given green
light. [Online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/oct/27/plan-
for-liquid-natural-gas-hub-at-james-price-point-in-wa-given-green-light [Accessed 19 August
2017].
Weber, D., 2015. James Price Point LNG hub dumped by Woodside should get
environmental approval, delegates say. [Online] Available at:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-10-26/james-price-point-lng-hub-recommended-for-
environmental-approval/6886516 [Accessed 19 August 2017].
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