SPEARHEADING EXPANSION OF MANGANESE MINING IN THE PILBARA – WOODIE WOODIE
Driving Innovation and Discovery in Australia's Premier Manganese Region
At ConsMin we foster a culture centred on protecting biodiversity, using resources efficiently, and preventing waste and pollution wherever possible. Our dedication to environmental stewardship is closely monitored and managed through the identification of environmental impacts, overseen by a skilled team of environmental professionals working across all areas of our operations. Through a strict internal ground disturbance permitting process, we assess and mitigate environmental risks, ensuring we minimise any negative impact on biodiversity. Our environmental management system is key to identifying risks, setting goals, and driving continuous improvement.
Open-pit mining for manganese at ConsMin is carried out with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. We carefully plan each blast to minimise its impact on the surrounding environment, using advanced techniques to reduce noise, vibrations, and dust. Special attention is given to protecting local wildlife, with measures in place to monitor and safeguard animals in the area. Our team of environmental specialists works closely with operations to ensure that mining activities are conducted in a way that preserves the natural ecosystem while meeting production goals, reflecting our dedication to responsible and sustainable mining practices.
The Pilbara region is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, with over 325 bird species recorded in the area. The combination of arid landscapes and wetlands also supports a diverse population of amphibians and reptiles, including 13 species of frogs and more than 140 different types of reptiles. This makes the Pilbara one of the world's richest reptile habitats, featuring unique species like the elusive geckos, pebble-patterned dragons, sand-burrowing skinks, and the native Pilbara olive python.
The Northern Quoll, a small but resilient marsupial, is native to the Pilbara region and plays a vital role in the local ecosystem. This species, known for its agile hunting skills and nocturnal habits, faces significant threats due to habitat loss and predation by introduced species such as feral cats and cane toads. In the rugged landscape of the Pilbara, conservation efforts are crucial to safeguarding the Northern Quoll's fragile population. Initiatives that focus on habitat protection, predator management, and innovative monitoring technologies are essential to ensure this unique creature continues to thrive in the region's challenging environment.
The Pilbara region of Western Australia is home to a variety of snake species, including the impressive Pilbara Olive Python. This non-venomous python, growing up to 4 metres long, is one of the largest in Australia. Its olive-green skin helps it blend into the rocky landscape, where it hunts near water sources for mammals, birds, and reptiles. Though shy and elusive, the Pilbara Olive Python faces threats from habitat destruction and feral predators. Awareness and conservation efforts are essential to protect this important species, which plays a vital role in the region’s ecosystem.
The orange leaf-nosed bat is a distinctive and rare species found in the arid regions of northern Australia. Known for its bright orange fur and unique leaf-shaped nose, this small insectivorous bat uses echolocation to navigate and hunt at night. It roosts in caves, rock crevices, and old mine shafts, where it forms colonies. As a nocturnal predator, it plays an important role in controlling insect populations.
In partnership with Curtin Innovation Centre, we have developed a cutting-edge software program that uses motion-sensitive cameras to identify species autonomously, enhancing our environmental practices and helping us further reduce our ecological footprint.
