PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has recommended that the state government consider developing a long-term plan to protect the environment in iron-rich Pilbara.

The EPA’s advice to the Environment Minister included 11 recommendations to assist in providing a pathway to more sustainable development in the region, and included the development of a central register to make information on clearing and rehabilitation activities publicly available.

The EPA also suggested that a specific proposal be developed to trial the proposed State Environmental Data Library in the Pilbara region, and called for greater investment and a coordinated approach to research and knowledge sharing on rehabilitation of Pilbara landscapes.

The environmental body also recommended the establishment of a high level group comprising of industry, research organisations and government agencies to establish objectives for rehabilitation and mine closure, along with a collaborative research programme to improve the understanding of the impacts of mine pit lakes.

EPA chairperson Paul Vogel said this week that the Pilbara was widely recognised as an important mining province, but it also had a wealth of biodiversity and other environmental values.

“The Pilbara region features a diverse range of terrestrial, aquatic and marine landscapes, numerous flora and fauna species, nationally listed wetlands and unique ecological features,” Vogel said.

“However, the Pilbara is also one of Australia’s development hotspots, with the region producing more than 90% of Australia’s iron-ore and about 95% of the state’s iron-ore in 2011. The region also accounted for 80% of the state’s entire production value from minerals and petroleum in 2012.

“Given the biodiversity values, economic importance, and rate of development in the region, the EPA believes it is timely to develop further strategies to ensure the important values of the region are protected. The government’s successful Kimberley Science and Conservation strategy provides a model for how this can be achieved.”

Vogel said that the strategies recommended by the EPA were practical, timely and built on existing government initiatives to provide better long-term outcomes for the Pilbara as a whole.

The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (Amec) said it would scrutinise the recommendations made by the EPA.

“Amec will be investigating the potential impact the recommendations could have for mining and mineral exploration companies and future development activities in the Pilbara region,” commented CEO Simon Bennison, adding that the economic importance of the industry in the region should not be overlooked.

“Amec welcomes the key recommendation for a whole-of-government strategic plan for biodiversity conservation in the Pilbara; however, more consultation with industry is required,” he added.