Mining Rehabilitation

We respect the many values provided by the Western Australian jarrah forest and understand the importance of operating in the most responsible and sustainable ways.

As a biodiversity hotspot, we know we have to balance environmental, cultural and social factors alongside the need to mine bauxite, which is required to supply the world with aluminium that is critical for green energy and a decarbonised future. Find out more about our approach in our global Biodiversity Policy.

That is why we have a large team working hard to identify the best approaches to avoid, minimise, and mitigate the impacts of our activities. We invest significantly in the rehabilitation process in areas where we operate, with the goal of returning healthy, self-sustaining jarrah forest when mining ends. Our carefully managed rehabilitation process involves multiple stages outlined in the following diagram.

Mine site rehabilitation is integral to our operations. Our leading expertise and commitment mean healthy and resilient jarrah forest ecosystems are being returned to where bauxite was once mined.

Our research-driven approach is core to our success and continues to inform the ways we operate.

To read more about our forest rehabilitation,  view this factsheet.

Planning & modelling

Using extensive research and technology, we develop plans to help operators prepare areas for rehabilitation after mining.

Landscaping

Mined-out areas, haul roads and other cleared areas are landscaped to blend into surrounding unmined forest.

Pit floor ripping

The ground is “ripped” to relieve compaction, help plant roots penetrate, and assist with water infiltration.

Soil return

Overburden and topsoil containing a rich mix of seed are returned to help forest plants to re-establish.

Fauna habitat, contour ripping, seeding

Log and rock piles are placed for fauna, the ground is ripped again and more seed is spread.

Hand planting

Nursery-raised plants that don’t naturally germinate from seed are hand planted over the winter months.

Fertilising

At 15 months after planting, a small amount of fertiliser is applied by helicopter or drone to assist with establishment.

Monitoring

Ecologists monitor rehab at 9 and 15 months for quality / compliance, and over time to ensure healthy development.

Research Driven Approach

Understanding the science of the jarrah forest ecosystem helps us continuously improve the ways we operate. Since 1975, we have supported the publication of hundreds of refereed journal papers and book chapters, technical studies and higher-degree research theses.

See a selection of environmental publications here.

Over more than 60 years of operations, we have achieved some significant milestones, some of which are highlighted in the following timeline.

1966

First rehabilitation

1975

First experiments on topsoil double stripping and direct return

1984

Development of winged tine for deep ripping

1985

Introduction of diverse understorey seed mix

1988

Direct seeding of jarrah & marri becomes operational

1994

Laboratory for tissue culture ‘recalcitrant’ plants established. Field trials of propagated species

1996

Seed is smoke treated. Target 100% species richness

2001

Fire research and integration of rehabilitation into prescribed burning plans

2006

Improved fauna habitat coarse woody debris trials

2012

Topsoil screening and spreading technology

2016

Fertiliser rates reduced after trials show benefits for forest similarity

2021

Outsourced nursery plant production for more than 500k plants per year

2023

Long-term data shows trade-offs between tree density and understorey species richness

2024

Forest Research Centre established to continue science-driven focus

Through our Forest Research Centre, we are continuing that research-driven approach with a dedicated team of inhouse environmental research scientists, and collaboration partners, focused on the topics that will drive our approach into the future.

Our dedication is acknowledged globally, including being the first mining company to receive recognition from the United Nations for rehabilitation excellence in 1990 and earning a place on the Global 500 Roll of Honour.

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Mining Rehabilitation

Research Driven Approach

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