Rural Solutions SA adds value to the mining process through a Flora and Fauna Assessment.

A detailed description of the natural environment is a critical milestone in the development of a mining project.  The collection of baseline environmental data is a regulatory requirement, strengthens Feasibility Studies, aids project planning and is used to determine whether referral to the Federal Government is required under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act).

Rural Solutions SA Environmental Consultants recently conducted a winter and spring flora and fauna assessment for Royal Resources Limited’s Razorback Ridge Iron Ore project, south of Yunta, South Australia.  Four sites across the Razorback Iron Deposit mining tenement were selected: a riparian zone, a Black Oak woodland, a ridge site, and a mallee site. 

As a part of the project, our Environmental Consultants:

• organised the required permits 
• had knowledge of the local flora and fauna species and their conservation status and habitat requirements
• undertook the flora and fauna surveys using both desktop and on-site methodologies
• collected voucher specimens 
• worked in remote areas 
• wrote effective reports on the assessments

The project was not without some excitement and drama as an unseasonable thunderstorm during the winter survey flooded the station and marooned the project team on-site for a number of days.  Despite the weather, a total of 58 native plant species, 13 weed species, 60 bird species, 21 reptile species, 1 amphibian species and 12 mammal species were recorded.  None of the plants and animals triggered a referral under the EPBC Act.  This knowledge removed variables and potential hurdles from the project and may prove to be highly beneficial when negotiating financing for the project.

A potential bonus for Royal Resources is that the field team was accredited by the Native Vegetation Council to determine an appropriate Significant Environmental Benefit (SEB) to be provided by the company. An approved SEB is required to compensate for native vegetation that is cleared during the operation of the mine.

Contact: Ben Baghurst