Description
Book SynopsisMining in Ecologically Sensitive Landscapes explores the interface between geology and botany, and mining and conservation. Many areas of unusual geology that contain ore-bearing bodies also support unique ecological communities of plants and animals. Increasing demand to exploit rich mineral deposits can lead to a conflict between mining and conservation interests in such landscapes.
This book brings together experts in the field of mining and conservation to grapple with this pressing issue and to work toward a positive outcome for all. Chapters are grouped into four themes: Introduction, Concepts and Challenges; Endemism in Ironstone Geosystems; Progress in Bauxite Mining; and Ways Forward.
The book focuses on natural and semi-natural ecosystems, where landscape beauty, biodiversity and conservation value are at their highest measure and the mineral wealth they contain can bring affluence of regional or even national importance. Examples of conflicts ranging from threatened floristic endemics to human ecology are included, from Africa, the Americas and Australasia.
Mining in Ecologically Sensitive Landscapes is an important reference for environmental managers, NGOs, restoration ecologists, academics, undergraduate and postgraduate students of ecology and environmental studies, conservation biologists, as well as mine managers, mining environmental specialists, consultants, regulators, and relevant government departments.
Trade Review ...... it is timely to see this multi-authored edited volume primarily directed to professional practitioners and academic researchers working in the field of land rehabilitation and ecological restoration in sensitive areas impacted by mining activities and the minerals industry more generally.
..... A final chapter demonstrates how a collaborative approach from mining companies, environmental organisations and traditional land owners has worked to manage effectively and conserve biodiversity in the Great Western Woodlands of Australia. It is a very appropriate finale, emphasising the need for ongoing dialogue between stakeholders from the inception of a mining plan through to restoration or reclamation and thereon to future management for conservation.
.......this is a book of immense value which should surely find a place on the bookshelves of mining environmental managers, consultants, NGO’s, government departments and university libraries.
Professor Alan J M Baker, The University of Queensland and School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia.
...... it is timely to see this multi-authored edited volume primarily directed to professional practitioners and academic researchers working in the field of land rehabilitation and ecological restoration in sensitive areas impacted by mining activities and the minerals industry more generally.
..... A final chapter demonstrates how a collaborative approach from mining companies, environmental organisations and traditional land owners has worked to manage effectively and conserve biodiversity in the Great Western Woodlands of Australia. It is a very appropriate finale, emphasising the need for ongoing dialogue between stakeholders from the inception of a mining plan through to restoration or reclamation and thereon to future management for conservation.
.......this is a book of immense value which should surely find a place on the bookshelves of mining environmental managers, consultants, NGO’s, government departments and university libraries.
Professor Alan J M Baker, The University of Queensland and School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia.
Table of ContentsList of contributors
Technical reviewers
Introduction, concepts and challenges
1 Mining in ecologically sensitive landscapes: concepts and challenges
Mark Tibbett
2 Mined land reclamation in the Appalachian coalfields: a case for an ecosystem reclamation approach James A Burger
3 Hidden costs of mining in ecologically sensitive areasHoward D Smith
Endemism in ironstone geosystems
4 Iron geosystems: priority areas for conservation in Brazil
Claudia M Jacobi, Flavio F do Carmo, Felipe F do Carmo and Iara C de Campos
5 Flora and vegetation surveys of the ironstone ranges of the Yilgarn CratonNeil Gibson, Rachel Meissner, Adrienne S Markey and Wendy A Thompson
6 Lessons drawn from iron ore mining in the Yilgarn region of Western AustraliaRobert K Howard
Progress in bauxite mining
7 Mining and ecological restoration in the jarrah forest of Western Australia
John M Koch
8 Recovery of terrestrial orchids in natural ecosystems after severe disturbanceMargaret Collins and Mark Brundrett
9 The mining-restoration system and ecosystem development following bauxite mining in a biodiverse environment of the seasonally dry tropics of AustraliaAlister V Spain, Mark Tibbett, Dieter A Hinz, John A Ludwig and David J Tongway
Ways forward
10 Key values of metallophytes for the minerals industry in Australasia
Antony van der Ent
11 A collaborative approach for mining, environment organisations and Traditional Owners to manage and conserve biodiversity in Australia’s Great Western WoodlandsAlexander WT Watson, Simon Judd, Wayne O’Sullivan and James EM Watson
Index
