BHP Billiton Goldsworthy Extension Project
Subterranean Ecology undertook the subterranean fauna survey and assessment for BHP Billiton’s Goldsworthy Extension Project in the Pilbara which included Cattle Gorge and the Cundaline & Callawa Mining Operations, the latter project assessed by the Environmental Protection Authority and Public Environmental Review (PER).
The field survey identified a high diversity of subterranean species, including potential short range endemic (SRE) species initially collected from inside the proposed mine impact areas.
Subterranean Ecology’s survey and habitat assessment concluded that all of the potential SRE species were likely to occur outside the mine impact area, and that no species would be placed at risk from mining.
Subterranean Ecology’s assessment withstood the PER process and was supported in the Environmental Protection Authority’s approval for the mining operation.