Applying the seed use chain to identify research priorities for the rehabilitation of Spinifex (Triodia spp.) in the Pilbara, Western Australia

Authors: Wood, B; Pedrini, S; Turner, S; Wittkuhn, R; Cowan, E; Chester, P; Pañella, P; Orengo, M

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DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2615_150

Cite As:
Wood, B, Pedrini, S, Turner, S, Wittkuhn, R, Cowan, E, Chester, P, Pañella, P & Orengo, M 2026, 'Applying the seed use chain to identify research priorities for the rehabilitation of Spinifex (Triodia spp.) in the Pilbara, Western Australia', in AB Fourie, G Boggs, J Heyes & M Tibbett (eds), Mine Closure 2026: Proceedings of the 19th International Conference on Mine Closure, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 1-10, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2615_150

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Abstract:
Rio Tinto has an active progressive rehabilitation program centrally coordinated across multiple iron ore mining operations, ports and rail networks in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Spinifex (Triodia spp.) grassland is a dominant vegetation type in the region and makes up a large component of the seed mixes broadcast as part of rehabilitation projects. Despite its importance, industry research and reviews have highlighted that Triodia is challenging to establish in rehabilitated areas. Whilst there has been important research done by institutions such as The University of Western Australia and Kings Park and Botanic Garden (Kings Park) in understanding Triodia recruitment, knowledge gaps still exist in how to test, store and treat Triodia seed. To address these knowledge gaps, in 2025, Rio Tinto and the Native Seed Technology and Innovation Hub at Curtin University (Curtin) developed a research partnership. To inform the direction of research, the Triodia seed use chain was mapped, with business-as-usual practices and current knowledge gaps detailed. This step permitted a collaborative prioritisation process, with the most significant knowledge gaps being the focus for initial research. Curtin and Rio Tinto’s initial research program concentrated on seed testing, cleaning seed for storage and the alleviation of dormancy. Early findings have identified the ability to clean Triodia batches to pure florets, which will significantly reduce seed storage volumes, as well as identifying potential pathways for dormancy alleviation. Research will continue, with a goal to develop a scalable dormancy-breaking method that ultimately leads to increased recruitment of Triodia in the field. Research will be scaled from the laboratory to the field, adding confidence that improvements are practical and scalable across species and the Pilbara region.

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