When valuing abandoned mine sites, the potential historical, cultural, social, environmental, educational or economic value of an abandoned mine site needs to be considered.
The Western Australian Biodiversity Science Institute has identified the research capacity to enhance knowledge about these sites in terms of their environmental values.
Over the next six months, a new project will identify the existing known and potential biodiversity values of abandoned mine shafts within Western Australia. The project will also develop a survey design appropriate for identifying biodiversity values of abandoned mine sites, including key risk factors in undertaking the survey.
Project partners include the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety as well as the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions.