Mount Isa Mines Environmental Team launches ant and soil sampling campaign
The Mount Isa Mines Environmental team has commenced a three-month ant and soil sampling campaign across 55 sites within the mining lease and surrounding areas. This work forms part of our ongoing Environmental Impact Monitoring Program (EIMP), which supports careful monitoring and management of the local ecosystem.
Since 2012, the EIMP has operated under the company’s Environmental Authority to assess the potential effects of sulphur dioxide emissions from the Copper Smelter. The program ensures our operations are managed responsibly and do not adversely impact the environment.
The 55 sampling sites are chosen based on varying levels of sulphur dioxide exposure from the smelter, covering high, medium, and low exposure areas. Sites include locations within the Mining Lease as well as reference sites outside the influence of emissions.
Collecting ant and soil samples within our mining lease and the surrounding ecosystem.
A key component of the program is ant and soil sampling. Ants are highly effective bioindicators, responding sensitively to environmental changes, particularly fluctuations in sulphur dioxide concentrations. At each site, the team sets ten ant traps, which are collected after four days. Two soil samples are also gathered per site, alongside additional observations for soil and landscape assessments. All samples are then sent for identification and analysis.
The goal of the program is to assess ecosystem health over time, comparing current data against baseline conditions established at the start of monitoring. This allows the team to track environmental improvements and trends year-over-year.
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Two soil samples are collected from each site, and observations and assessments are conducted as part of a soil and landscape assessment.
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Sampling involves placing ten ant traps at each of the 55 sampling locations. After four days, the traps are checked to collect the ants preserved in liquid.
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The ants and soil samples are sent for identification and analysis.
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Liquid used for collecting ants during sampling.
Lakshika Weerasundara, Senior Environmental Advisor says the data will be reviewed and compared against previous baseline studies.
“This data helps inform our long-term environmental strategies and is included in a comprehensive report submitted every four years to the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI),” says Lakshika.
“We use this information to monitor environmental trends and evaluate any potential impacts on air quality caused by mining activities.”
“This helps us understand the environmental impact of our operations and reinforces our commitment to not only meeting regulatory requirements but also continually improving our environmental performance," says Lakshika.
Through initiatives like the EIMP, Mount Isa Mines demonstrates its ongoing commitment to responsible operations and environmental stewardship, using robust science to protect and manage the surrounding ecosystem.