Landscape Reconstruction Using Analogues at Ranger Mine, Northern Territory, Australia

Authors: Hollingsworth, I; Croton, J; Odeh, I; Buli, E; Klessa, D Download Paper

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/605_7

Cite As:
Hollingsworth, I, Croton, J, Odeh, I, Buli, E & Klessa, D 2006, 'Landscape Reconstruction Using Analogues at Ranger Mine, Northern Territory, Australia', in AB Fourie & M Tibbett (eds), Mine Closure 2006: Proceedings of the First International Seminar on Mine Closure, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 149-160, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/605_7



Abstract:
We have developed an approach to designing a post-mining landform at Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) Ranger Uranium Mine that is based on analogues in the natural landscape so as to directly address the Environmental Requirements for closure, that is mined land should return to a condition consistent with the land use values and management of the surrounding Kakadu National Park, a World Heritage area. The Ranger Uranium Mine (RUM) is located within the 78 km2 Ranger Project Area (RPA), 250 km east of Darwin, in the Alligator Rivers Region of the Northern Territory. The land use values that the Mirarr Traditional Owners apply to the area are a key factor in the planned rehabilitation of the site. Consequently, planning for landscape reconstruction at Ranger Uranium Mine will begin with backfilling two mined-out pits with waste rock and tailings. However, the final landform and surface cover will need to be built in context with the undulating rises and savannah woodland environments in the surrounding landscape. Also, hill slope environmental processes that determine the sustainability and diversity of ecosystems in the vicinity of the mine need to be reflected in achieving revegetation success. In the seasonally monsoonal climate water balance processes operating at a hill slope scale, particularly those influencing plant available water and drainage are key factors affecting the type and vigour of native vegetation. In addition, the need to ensure that radiation health and water quality objectives can be met in the receiving environment at Ranger will be a critical issue. Consequently, the effects of revegetation and substrate on groundwater recharge and stream flow need to be investigated at the design stage.

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