Coastal sandmining and landscape rehabilitation in Eastern Australia

Abstract

Extensive deposits of the heavy minerals rutile, ilmenite and zircon are scattered along the beaches and massive silicious sand dune systems of the central east coast of Australia. Mining of these minerals by open cut methods close to major centres of population has led to a need for very high standards of performance in rehabilitation by the mining companies concerned. Rehabilitation now results from an extensive program that starts with surveys of landform and vegetation before mining, and continues as a responsibility of the mining company for 7 years or more after mining. The emphasis required by public policy is on re-establishment of native species. Since mining can occur anywhere between the foredune and 100 m + above sea-level techniques have to vary in detail for particular sites. On the foredune with its extreme exposure costly methods of surface mulching are used. Elsewhere a cover crop of short-lived crop plants supported by limited fertiliser pro vides initial cover for slow-growing native species. The storage and replacement of topsoil is a vital component of success with the silicious sands and vegetation involved. On land forms recreated to harmonise with the original, the plant communities achieved after 7–10 years seem assured to persist and develop into types of native vegetation satisfactory for many later uses. Extensive public conflict over allocation of land use as between mining and national park has diverted attention from the long term need for proper planning for the use and management of these dune landscapes for the many other possible and sought-after forms of land-use.