A $6.7 million research centre based at Â鶹ֱ²¥ will partner with mining companies to apply world-class science to the rehabilitation of retired mine sites.<\/p>\n
The ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration (CMSR), directed by eminent botanist Professor Kingsley Dixon of Curtin\u2019s Department of Environment and Agriculture, is coordinating research between Â鶹ֱ²¥, Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority and The University of Western Australia (UWA).<\/p>\n
In addition, the CMSR is supported by major industry partners including Sinosteel Midwest Corporation, BHP Billiton, Hanson Construction Materials, Karara Mining, Cliffs Natural Resources, Mineral Resources, and the Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia.<\/p>\n
Professor Dixon, who was named WA Scientist of the Year last August in recognition of his efforts in conservation science, restoration ecology and plant science, said it was vital that the mining industry was supported in applying high quality science to its efforts to restore the integrity of mine sites.<\/p>\n
\u201cRestoration sits at the heart of Australia\u2019s ability to sustainably and responsibly exploit its mineral wealth,\u201d Professor Dixon said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe CMSR aims to connect high-end science with on-ground practice in mining restoration, and to train the next generation of high level researchers to be industry-ready.<\/p>\n
\u201cResearchers both at the post-graduate and doctoral level will work within industry, so industry will get to see them and understand the value of science, and the scientists will see how their research is valued and applied in the industry setting.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019ll be able to understand the needs of the mining sector and enhance the sector\u2019s capacity to deliver improved financial, social and environmental outcomes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Professor Dixon said the CMSR is one of the first ARC Industry Transformation Centres funded in Western Australia and was the culmination of decades of work and critical discoveries within the field of mine site restoration.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve spent 30 years working across the broad mining industry \u2013 it\u2019s been a really exciting journey and it\u2019s meant that WA, more than any other place in the world, leads in innovation in environmental repair following mining,\u201d Professor Dixon said.<\/p>\n
That success has been reflected in the three Golden Gecko Awards Professor Dixon has received, in partnership with industry, for environmental excellence within the mining industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe mining industry in WA has embraced the need for knowledge-led improvement in environmental management, however there is still much more work to be done,\u201d Professor Dixon said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe industry has taken it on the chin that they need to do a lot better, because they mine on ancient, biodiverse and often important ecological landscapes, and it\u2019s a great credit to them that they have risen to the occasion to support this centre.\u201d<\/p>\n
The centre, based at Curtin and with satellite activities at UWA, Kings Park and a number of mine sites, will focus on six key research areas: restoration genetics, seed technology and enablement, rare species management, restoration ecophysiology, restoration trajectory, and mining industry policy extension.<\/p>\n
Its multi-disciplinary staff will deliver a suite of integrated and focused research projects that underpin successful mine site restoration outcomes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat the centre will do is consolidate and deliver a more effective package across a broad range of industries, identifying a \u2018restoration trajectory\u2019 for sensitive sites and a generic toolkit that will have application globally \u2013 from transnational companies down to mums and dads working in local community groups to restore coastal dunes, local lakes and more,\u201d Professor Dixon said.<\/p>\n