At a recent workshop, WABSI helped participants to explore the possibility of establishing a Centre for Research Collaboration (CRC) that, if established, would address knowledge gaps and the critical challenges involved in mine site restoration across Australia.
There is a real need to develop best practice solutions that provide not only a good environmental outcome but are also economically viable and build trust with the community.
Rigorous and independent science can deliver just that; it has the power to help industry, regulators and government representatives make more informed decisions about mine site restoration.
WABSI has joined the bid team for the CRC, led by the University of Newcastle, to help ensure key issues facing mine rehabilitation and closure in Western Australia are recognised and addressed in the development of the bid.
Following the workshop, the next steps are to meet directly with W.A. stakeholders to further develop and prioritise the issues.
Amongst those who attended were Neil Rothnie (Chem Centre), Gavin Price (BHP), Barry Jilbert (Rio Tinto), David Blackmore (NSW Department of Industry) and Professor Ravi Naidu (University of Newcastle).
