EPA backs Rio Tinto Paraburdoo hub

The state’s environmental assessment body has approved Rio Tinto’s Greater Paraburdoo Iron Ore Hub proposal nearly four years after the mining giant lodged its plans.

Hamersley Iron, a subsidiary of Rio Tinto, operates the Paraburdoo and Eastern Range iron ore mines, among others, in the Pilbara region.

Hamersley Iron lodged plans with the Environmental Protection Authority to develop the Greater Paraburdoo Iron Ore Hub as an expansion to its existing operation in November 2018.

The EPA assessed the proposal due to potential significant effects including impacts to Aboriginal heritage values and the clearing of 4,300 hectares of native vegetation within a 17,422 hectare development envelope.

The proposal comprises of new mine pits and associated infrastructure, development of the 4 East Extension and new dewatering of the Wittenoom formation, and new above water table pits at both Paraburdoo and Eastern Range sites.

The EPA released a report of its assessment today, recommending the proposal may be implemented subject to conditions.

Conditions attached include no direct disturbance to Aboriginal heritage sites Garrabagarrangu and Gardagarli.

“Up to 87 heritage sites would be directly or indirectly impacted as a result of the proposal,” the EPA report said.

“The Yinhawangka People have been consulted on these impacts.

“Direct impacts are not proposed to the nine sites and places of significance identified by the Yinhawangka People, with the exception of surplus water discharges to Six Mile Creek, Seven Mile Creek and Pirraburdu Creek.”

Subject to reasonable health and safety requirements, the proponent would allow the Yinhawangka People ongoing access and connection to Country within the development envelope.

Rio Tinto had been rebuilding relations with Aboriginal groups since the blown up of Juukan Gorge rock shelters two years ago, including entering a non-binding agreement with PKKP Aboriginal Corporation last month.