Biodiversity - the future of conservation is in our hands
Biodiversity refers to the variety of different species, the genetic variability of each of those species and the variety of different ecosystems that those species form.
The Mount Isa Mines (MIM) lease is approximately 32,000 hectares falling within the North-West Highlands Bioregion. The unique environment of Mount Isa is home to numerous species of fauna and flora.
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Red Kangaroos are the largest of Australia's marsupials.
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The biodiversity status of the Red River Gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) woodland on channels and levees have been adjusted to endangered status.
The lease contains 21 regional ecosystems (vegetation communities with particular combinations of geology, landforms and soil). More than 490 plant species and 389 animal species are known to occur within the lease.
Some of these species are in abundance like the Snappy Gums and Red Kangaroo, others are either rare, vulnerable or endangered like the Red River Gum and the Curlew Sandpiper.
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The endangered Curlew Sandpiper is a migratory species from the Northern Hemisphere, moving south to Australia during the months between September and April. It can be found on beaches, rocky shores, around lakes, dams and floodwaters.
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The endangered Ghost Bats are Australia's only carnivorous bats, preying on large insects, frogs, birds, lizards. They roost in caves, old mine tunnels and in deep cracks in rocks.
MIM has a Biodiversity and Land Management Plan (the Plan) which forms part of a comprehensive set of standards, procedures and processes to ensure that any potential or actual impacts from the activities and operations associated with MIM on the local environment are effectively assessed, controlled, managed and monitored.
All new projects and major changes to our operations must take Biodiversity Management into consideration and our Environmental Advisors are responsible to ensure that new activities are appropriately assessed, and that there are no potential adverse impacts to areas of significant biodiversity.
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The Birds and Gecko fauna survey is carried out every two-years and forms part of the Mount Isa Mines Environmental Impact Monitoring Program (EIMP), which also sees us conducting bi-annual flora and ant fauna surveys.
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The Flora survey involves collecting data on tree health which is collated into a report to assess any potential long-term environmental effects from emissions on soil, flora and fauna within the prescribed receiving environment.
Biodiversity management includes assessing the condition of the area through water quality monitoring and flora and fauna surveys.
Pest and weed management is also undertaken along with implementation of a fire regime (back burning) to reduce fuel loads surrounding the MIM operation and Mount Isa community to minimise the impacts from potential wildfires to MIM operations, Mount Isa community and the natural environment.
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Sampling and surveying our surrounding ecosystems as part of our Receiving Environment Monitoring Program (REMP) to ensure our operations are not impacting the environment.
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Never attempt to catch or kill animals - snakes, bats, birds, kangaroos etc. - yourself as most animal bites or attacks occur when people attempt to do this. When left alone, most animals present little to no danger to people.
It is important to remember that each individual is also responsible to do their part in conserving our magnificent natural world.
Keep in mind that all native animals (amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles) found within Australia are protected under the Native Conservation Act 1992 and it is an offence to injure, kill or remove such animals from the wild.