The Legacy Mines Unit of the Department of Mines and Energy (DME) awarded a tender to local company EcOz Pty Ltd to conduct a baseline weed survey of the Goodall Legacy Mine site and surrounds.
Director of Mining Remediation Mike Fawcett said the Goodall Legacy Mine site is located approximately 100km southeast of Darwin and 30km east of the Adelaide River Township, and has been identified as having limited information on the location and density of weeds.
The survey will identify and map weed species within a 665 hectare area, which includes the mine footprint, nearby undisturbed Eucalypt woodland and a riparian zone.
“The survey report will provide valuable information on the presence and distribution of weed species at the site, which will assist DME in planning and implementing future weed control.
“EcOz Pty Ltd has employed two Larrakia Rangers for the project. The Rangers will be involved in all aspects of the project, including fieldwork, data analysis, mapping and reporting.” Mr Fawcett said.
Field work commenced on Monday, June 20, and the contract is valued at $22,105.
This is part of a greater scope of work being completed by the Legacy Mines Unit under the Mining Remediation Fund.
Weed management was recently completed in the Barkly Region. The works covered an area of 243 hectares of mining tenements which contained several inactive mines, approximately 4km south of Tennant Creek.
The work involved identifying and mapping weed species within the designated area and appropriate spraying and control activities.
“Various other safety works are currently underway to help improve public safety around legacy mines sites.” Mr Fawcett said.
In 2013, changes to the Mining Management Act introduced an annual levy on mining securities; this enabled the establishment of the Mining Remediation Fund and the Legacy Mines Unit.
The fund is a levy on the environmental security bonds for mining activities which aims to address legacy mine liabilities, and fund a dedicated Legacy Mines Unit to work directly on legacy issues.
This provides a great opportunity to address some of the legacy aspects of previous mining activities, while providing regional economic opportunities.
Media Contact: Sheena Dunne 8999 5241