The Environmental Protection Authority has released advice and recommendations to the Minister for Environment on proposals by Karara Mining Ltd (KML) to mine iron ore in the Blue Hills Range. KML have two mining proposals, the Karara Iron Ore Project (KIOP) and the Mungada Iron Ore Project (MIOP).
The EPA has found that Mt Karara has significant environmental values and the same value are present in other parts of the Blue Hills Range. Government has given recognition of these values and has advised the EPA of its view.
The EPA has reported on the KIOP proposal and concluded that with the protection of a portion of the Mungada Ridge in a Class A Nature Reserve and the with the implementation of Ministerial Conditions, development of the KIOP proposal could be undertaken.
The EPA has reported on the MIOP proposal and notes that it has been substantially changed by the proponent since referral, and KML has offered to relinquish the tenement over the Mungada Ridge.
The EPA has concluded that development of the Terapod deposit would lead to the loss of significant environmental values and is inconsistent with it’s view to reserve the Mungada Ridge in its entirety. The EPA has also found that the values in the Blue Hills North area are not as significant as those in the Terapod area and has concluded that with the implementation of Ministerial Conditions, development of the Blue Hills North deposit could be undertaken.
The EPA also notes that these two proposals would be developed as an integrated mining operation.
EPA Reports 1321 and 1322 are available at www.epa.wa.gov.au. There is a two week public appeal period on the reports closing COB 12 May 2009.
EPA Media contact: Charlie Maling, 6467 5415, 0400 866 450
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