Abstract
This chapter identifies and explores the common environmental effects of mining in Western Australia (WA). Utilising unique state-specific data, we examine site-specific factors with reference to metals, mine life cycle, cumulative impacts and temporal disturbance. Emerging trends are discussed with specific reference to WA including in relation to production, ore grades, waste, scale, socio-environmental issues and mine legacy impacts. Finally we explore the constraints on effective environmental management imposed by the WA approach to mining development and discuss challenges for the effective environmental management of mining.
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Notes
- 1.
Specific or potential industry sectors such as uranium, rare earths, salt, mineral sands and others have additional/unique impacts (e.g. radiation exposure and radioactive waste).
- 2.
Saleable iron ore is raw iron ore that has been beneficiated or processed to remove impurities, increase iron grade or allow blending of different ore types.
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Roche, C., Mudd, G. (2014). An Overview of Mining and the Environment in Western Australia. In: Brueckner, M., Durey, A., Mayes, R., Pforr, C. (eds) Resource Curse or Cure ?. CSR, Sustainability, Ethics & Governance. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-53873-5_12
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