Research-led adaptive management in rehabilitation

Authors: Commander, L; Barker, J; Blackburn, C; Grigg, A; Mullins, G; Pattinson, A

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DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2415_30

Cite As:
Commander, L, Barker, J, Blackburn, C, Grigg, A, Mullins, G & Pattinson, A 2024, 'Research-led adaptive management in rehabilitation', in AB Fourie, M Tibbett & G Boggs (eds), Mine Closure 2024: Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Mine Closure, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 415-426, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2415_30

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Abstract:
A research-driven approach has informed Alcoa’s continuous improvement of mine site rehabilitation in Western Australia’s Northern Jarrah Forest for more than 40 years. Starting in the 1970s Alcoa pioneered the use of double-stripping and returning fresh topsoil to enable the return of plant species which store seeds in topsoil. Research into seed germination to enable additional plant return via direct seeding commenced in the 1980s. In the 1990s Alcoa built a tissue culture facility to propagate plants that are difficult to establish from seed, further improving the diversity of species returned to the rehabilitation. Much of that research was responsible for Alcoa’s transition in 1988 to using only native Northern Jarrah Forest species in rehabilitation rather than a prescription that previously included Eastern States’ eucalypt species. An annual rehabilitation monitoring program, alongside research trials, has resulted in numerous improvements including a reduction in fertiliser application rates, decreased tree stocking rates and adjustments to legume understorey seeding rates. Soil physical, chemical and biological properties have been the focus of several studies. To alleviate compaction and improve rainfall infiltration and root growth, studies in the 1980s led to the development of a winged tine for effective deep ripping, while later studies looked at soil nutrients and soil microbial recovery. An important part of the research program is training the next generation of scientists, with Alcoa supporting university research students. Currently, four students are undertaking research into seed germination, erosion prevention, species diversity in rehabilitation and feral cat movement. Significant factors contributing to the success of this research program include an in-house research team, long-term commitment to research trials and ongoing collaboration with Australian research institutions. Alcoa’s research program not only sheds light on ways to continuously improve rehabilitation and biodiversity return in the Northern Jarrah Forest, but also offers valuable insights into restoration globally.   

Keywords: adaptive management, collaboration, fauna, flora, rehabilitation, research, trials

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