JCU and Glencore join forces for critical turtle research

Media release
Townsville, Australia

James Cook University (JCU) and Glencore Queensland Metals have joined forces for a key research project that aims to protect the future of loggerhead sea turtles.

Glencore is providing $150,000 over three years to JCU to research the little-known first years of a loggerhead turtle’s life to find out more about the threats facing the species.

The reddish-brown turtle is listed as endangered, which means it may become extinct if the threats to their survival continue.

The information gained from the research will be used to try to reverse declining numbers and maximise the turtle’s chances of long-term survival in the wild.

JCU Turtle Health Research Centre Director, Professor Ellen Ariel, said the loggerhead turtles will be fitted with satellite tracking devices upon their release, allowing researchers to follow their movements through the ocean during the stage of life commonly referred to as the 'lost years'.

“By learning more about them during this vulnerable life stage, we can help inform conservation management strategies that will benefit the entire population of Pacific loggerhead turtles,” she said.

Glencore’s Refinery and Port Operations Manager at Townsville, Paul Taylor, said it is important companies like Glencore get behind projects that help conserve endangered species and improve biodiversity.

“We are proud to support this important project with significant funding over the next three years to expand our knowledge about this fascinating and important marine animal.”

The turtles currently housed at the Turtle Health Research Centre for the project were collected from Mon Repos, the largest loggerhead nesting beach in Queensland.

Loggerhead turtles have a worldwide distribution with two distinct populations in Australia.

Hatchlings from Queensland disperse as far as South America and spend about 16 years at sea before returning to Australian waters.

A plaque will be unveiled at JCU’s Turtle Health Research Centre by Glencore and JCU on Monday morning to mark the funding partnership.

Further reading: Loggerhead turtle facts

The loggerhead turtle is named for its large head which resembles a floating log when seen from afar.

Their large head supports powerful jaws that enable them to feed on hard-shelled prey such as crabs or conch.

Adult loggerhead turtles weigh between 90 to 160 kilograms on average with a shell (carapace) length of about 90 to 100 centimetres.

While it’s not known exactly how long loggerheads can live, it’s estimated their life span is between 70 to 80 years.

Media event

• What: Representatives of the JCU Turtle Health Research Facility and Glencore to unveil a plaque recognising their new funding partnership. Baby loggerhead turtles will also be available for filming.
• When: 9.30am, Monday, 22 August 2022.
• Where: Carpark opposite Building 85, Veterinary Service Road, Douglas QLD 4814 (view the map).
• Who:
  • JCU Turtle Health Research Facility Director Professor Ellen Ariel
  • Glencore Copper Refinery and Port Operations Manager Paul Taylor
  • Representatives from Glencore and the JCU Turtle Health Research Facility.

For further information, please contact:

Glencore Australia

Nadine Roberts
Senior Advisor - Community and Social Performance
m: +61 436 341 650
e: Nadine Roberts

James Cook University

Professor Ellen Ariel
Director, JCU Turtle Health Research Facility
m: +61 427 797 645
e: Professor Ellen Ariel

Michael Serenc
Media Liaison
m: +61 437 028 175
e: Michael Serenc

Notes for editors

About Glencore Australia

In Australia, Glencore produces coal, copper, cobalt, nickel, zinc, lead, silver and gold 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.

To learn more, visit Glencore Australia's website.