Rio Tinto has proposed to extend its Robe Valley iron ore operations in the Pilbara, which would require clearing of up to 16,802 hectares of land.
Rio Tinto has proposed to extend its Robe Valley iron ore operations in the Pilbara, which would require clearing of up to 16,802 hectares of land.
In an application to the Environmental Protection Authority, Rio Tinto’s subsidiary Robe River Mining Co sought to extend its mine 164 kilometres from Karratha.
Robe River is a joint venture between Rio Tinto, a major shareholder with a 53 per cent stake, Mitsui with 33 per cent and Nippon Steel having a 14 per cent interest.
The proposed extension comprises new above and below water table iron ore deposits, ore crushing and screening facilities, waste rock landforms, tailings storage facilities, ore and soil stockpiles, and associated infrastructure including accommodation camps and renewable energy facilities.
An estimated 16,802 hectares of native vegetation, in the proposed 52,181ha development envelope, would be cleared.
The mine is located in the Robe River Kuruma Native Title determined areas.
Rio Tinto has described the proposed impact on the area as significant, according to its application to the EPA.
“The residual impact from the direct clearing of an estimated additional 16,802 ha of native vegetation within the Pilbara bioregion is likely considered significant, warranting an offset,” the application reads.
However, Rio Tinto claimed the significant amendment to its Robe Valley mine could be implemented to meet the EPA’s standards.
The proposed loss of vegetation was not expected to cause a loss of biological diversity with the ecological integrity of the area expected to be kept, according to the application.
“A detailed environmental impact assessment will be presented within the Environmental Review Document,” the application reads.
“This assessment, in consideration of the proposed avoidance and management measures, will demonstrate that the proposal can be implemented to meet the EPA’s objectives.”
In its application, the proponents said it would design the extension to avoid physical disturbance to Robe River, associated pools and Warramboo, Mungarathoona, Jimmawurrada creeks.
The EPA has published Rio Tinto’s extension plan for a seven-day public comment period.
