Minister determines appeals for Mungada and Karara iron ore projects

Environment Minister Donna Faragher has determined appeals on the Mungada and Karara iron ore projects in the State's Mid-West.

Mrs Faragher said today she had considered reports from the Appeals Convenor in respect to Karara Mining Limited's two proposals to mine iron ore from the Blue Hills North, Terapod and Karara deposits at Blue Hills Range, about 200 kilometres east of Geraldton in the Morawa shire.

A total of 12 appeals were lodged with the Appeals Convenor following the Environmental Protection Authority's reports to the Minister earlier this year.

She said that the appeals process had highlighted environmental issues affecting flora and fauna, as well as longer-term issues related to rehabilitation at the conclusion of mining activities.

"My determination for the Terapod deposit in particular is subject to part of the Mungada Ridge, currently covered by a mining tenement, being reserved for conservation purposes and protected from any future development," Mrs Faragher said.

"Importantly, it is intended to convert this 995 hectare site into class 'A' nature reserve - the first declared conservation reserve in this area.

"As part of my determination I have strengthened the conditions regarding public reporting and rehabilitation requirements.

"The conditions will also deliver monitoring and public reporting of environmental outcomes on issues ranging from weeds, through to the implementation of management plans for the western spiny-tailed skink and shield-backed trapdoor spider."

The Minister said she would now consult with other decision making Ministers to obtain agreement on the final conditions.

Mrs Faragher's determination on the proposals and the Appeals Convenor's reports are available at http://www.appealsconvenor.wa.gov.au