Glencore provides $2.1 million for wombat conservation efforts in Queensland
Media statement
Brisbane, Australia
Conservation efforts for one of the world's rarest endangered mammals – the northern hairy-nosed wombat – have received a $2.1 million boost thanks to a partnership between Glencore Coal and the Queensland Department of Environment & Science (DES).
The multi-million-dollar contribution from Glencore Coal will help establish a new refuge for the wombat population in south-west Queensland.
Glencore Coal Social Performance Manager, Craig Strudwick, says the company is proud to continue its involvement in the species recovery efforts.
“We’ve been involved in this partnership for 14 years and it’s a privilege to be part of a program that is saving the northern hairy-nosed wombat from extinction,” Craig said.
“Our latest contribution will assist the DES with fencing, pest control, telecommunications infrastructure, and the translocation of the wombats to a third refuge.
"It’s our hope that the third site will further improve the sustainability of the wombat population.”
Dave Harper, Principal Conservation Officer at DES, says that although wombat numbers have increased significantly since the 1980s, the species is still at risk.
“We’ve achieved great results through the program but there is still a big risk that fire, drought, or disease could wipe out the last natural population,” Dave said.
"Our two current refuges are expected to reach capacity soon so there is some imperative to get the new site up and running. That’s why it’s fantastic to have Glencore Coal on board to support the cause.”
There are currently only 315 northern hairy-nosed wombats left in the world – fewer than China’s giant panda, Indonesia’s Sumatran tiger and Central Africa’s mountain gorilla. They remain on the critically endangered list in Australia.
For further information, please contact:
Elise Pfeiffer
m: +61 456 215 045
e: Elise Pfeiffer
Notes for editors
About Glencore Australia
In Australia, Glencore produces coal, copper, cobalt, nickel, zinc, lead and silver from 25 mining operations. We also operate metals processing assets in Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, including metals smelters, concentrators and refineries.
We are among Australia’s largest producers and marketers of natural resources, connecting Australian resources with industrial customers around the world. Through our diverse portfolio, we responsibly supply the resources that advance everyday life.
We employ 17,350 people in Australia and in 2021 contributed $14 billion to the regional, state and national economies. This included spend of $9.2 billion with 8,630 businesses across the country, as well as $2.9 billion in government tax and royalty payments.
We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace for our people, to respecting the environment, to engaging openly and constructively with the Traditional Owners on whose lands we operate and to bringing value to local communities.
Glencore recognises our responsibility to contribute to the global effort to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. Our ambition is to be a net zero total emissions company by 2050. In August 2021 we increased our medium-term emission reduction target to a 50% reduction by 2035 and introduced a new short-term target of a 15% reduction by 2026.
Learn more about Glencore Australia.