Dr Sunil Samaraweera (right) coordinates a rehabilitation project for Argyle Diamond Mine, in the Kimberly. As well as improving rehabilitation techniques, the project is developing long-term opportunities for Aboriginal people.

“At Argyle, we are working on rehabilitating mined land with traditional bush medicine plant species. Local people are trained in seed collection and application, and nursery work.
Research with indigenous people has identified species used traditionally as medicines – work is underway with Curtin University examining the possibility of cultivating medicinal and other useful plants using excess mine water.”

The Granny Smith mine, near Laverton, has been producing gold from ore since 1990. Phil McEvoy works for the company in a cross-cultural community program. Since 1997, this program – jointly-run by four mining companies – has put 60 people a year, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, into employment.

“We believe that the mine is a part of the community. That means accepting responsibility to offer employment and other opportunities to local people, particularly the indigenous community. And it means working in a sustainable way in environmental terms.
We are looking at diversifying the local community’s income sources, by supporting the sale of indigenous crafts, and through olive farming and aquaculture. We are doing more than just mining.”

FACTFILE
• There were more than 270 mine sites and petroleum fields in Western Australia in 2000. These sites produced minerals and energy valued at more than $17 billion.
• Minerals, natural gas and petroleum are non renewable resources. A sustainable society will use resources more efficiently, reduce waste, and rely more on recycling, reuse and renewable energies.
• The mining industry is setting new standards in efficiency, environmental management, minesite rehabilitation and pollution control.
• Some mining companies are undertaking more open and transparent engagements with communities, particularly Aboriginal communities.