HARNESSING ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE
At Glencore’s Oaky Creek, the Environment and Community (E&C) team is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in vegetation monitoring to enhance the efficiency of mine rehabilitation efforts. These innovative practices mark a significant shift in how environmental data is gathered and utilised at site.
“To understand the performance of vegetation across the expansive lands we manage, we now employ a series of advanced AI technologies. This approach allows us to capture detailed environmental data without the extensive labour, time, and safety risks involved in traditional ground monitoring,” explained Joel May, Oaky Creek E&C Manager.
The team uses large Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones, equipped to capture high-definition imagery across vast areas swiftly. These images are then processed by supercomputers, capable of analysing extensive data sets to identify plant species, assess their health and surrounding environment, including the presence of animals, habitat conditions, and even potential erosion.
“By using AI from the air, we significantly enhance the quantity, quality, and speed of data acquisition.
“The remote sensing technology not only improves our understanding of the current environmental conditions but also allows us to quickly address issues such as invasive weed populations, which can be swiftly identified and managed.”
Previously, the reliance on ground-based monitoring meant managing a small sample area, which was time-consuming. Joel said AI technologies have revolutionised this process.
“The use of AI enables us to cover larger areas with more accuracy, reducing manual labour and enhancing safety by minimising the need for personnel to navigate difficult terrain.
“Our AI-driven data collection has also been instrumental in helping us to achieve progressive certification of rehabilitated areas, confirming that our efforts meet our own stringent standards and the state regulations. To date Oaky Creek has achieved Queensland Government certification for 1,475 hectares of rehabilitated mined land, which is an area twice the size of Hamilton Island.”
Moving forward, Oaky Creek will continue to investigate the use of AI technologies, and where relevant, integrate them across various environmental management areas, including biodiversity assessment, carbon accounting, air quality, progressive rehabilitation works and water management.
A REFUGE FOR FLORA AND FAUNA
Batchfire Resources is the proud custodian of the Mount Murchison Nature Refuge, committed to preserving this unique mountain landscape for future generations.
Batchfire Resources, which operates nearby Callide Mine, renewed the Mount Murchison Nature Refuge (MMNR) Agreement back in 2022 as part of the Queensland Government’s Private Protected Area Program.
The expansive 477-hectare Nature Refuge is home to a diverse ecosystem of native flora and fauna, including the Squatter Pigeon, Pedley’s Wattle, Semi-evergreen Vine Thicket, plus plenty of central Queensland favourites like emus, wedge-tail eagles, whiptail wallabies and more!
“The Pedley’s Wattle is endemic to this area, not found anywhere else in the world, and we are protecting this native species within the Nature Refuge,” explained Maurice Gayler, Manager Environment & Community at Callide Mine.
“We are committed to preventing disturbances to the Nature Refuge from mining, fire, weeds, and invasive species like feral pigs.
“Mount Murchison Nature Refuge is a special place, and we will continue to protect it into the future.”
Batchfire is proud to be active in conserving native Australian ecology, through initiatives like its MMNR Agreement and broader site-wide land management and rehabilitation program.
Check out the flora and fauna of Mount Murchison Nature Refuge in the photos, including a friendly family of emus that the Callide Mine Environment and Community team is well acquainted with!
NO DETOURS AHEAD
Coal from Bravus Mining and Resources’ Carmichael mine near Clermont is making its way to port on a rail line where cutting edge freight technologies are rivalled by the sophistication of fauna-friendly crossings.
Bravus Mining and Resources Chief Operating Officer Mick Crowe said the 200-kilometre Carmichael Rail Network included hundreds of design features to support local biodiversity on a line also setting new standards for freight transport.
“The design means not only does our coal get to port using safe and efficient rail operations, but it also allows local fauna to thrive.
“Coal is hauled by Bowen Rail Company trains on the Carmichael Rail Network through an area of central Queensland that is home to about 250 species including more than 180 native bird species, as well as mammals, snakes, lizards and frogs.
“The rail line’s special features include fencing and land bridges to protect koalas and underground tunnels that allow the Ornamental snake to cross safely beneath the tracks.”
Bowen Rail Company General Manager Brendan Lane said the greenfield railway was designed using detailed independent scientific field work in partnership with EcoLogical Australia that tracked activities through 622 fauna and flora surveys.
The surveys covered a linear distance of 749 kilometres, or about the same as the straight-line distance between Brisbane and Sydney.
“In total there are 389 fauna-friendly crossings along the Carmichael Rail Network,” Brendan said.
“There are 187 reptile crossing pipes with surrounding landscaping built every 100 metres within the Ornamental snake habitat.
“Speed limits, weed management and reporting of pest sightings also support local fauna management.”
Scientists continue to monitor movements of fauna using the network’s special features.
The active approach to conservation has created an expanding knowledge base about biodiversity in the remote region.
A HELPING HAND
The BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) has partnered with Volunteering Queensland since 2023, offering employees the opportunity to be matched with local organisations to volunteer their time as part of team building exercises and activities.
Since the program’s inception, 260 BHP/BMA members provided 942 volunteering hours to organisations supporting community, family services, environment, women, children, social inclusion and seniors.
The BMA Rehabilitation and Closure Planning team volunteered their time to work with Save Our Waterways Now (SOWN), a community organisation working to restore the habitats of creeks in the catchments of Enoggera, Ithaca and Fish Creeks in Brisbane’s West.
DELIVERING TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Through a decade-long commitment to improving safety and efficiency in underground mining, Anglo American’s steelmaking coal operations in Australia have reached a significant milestone.
The company’s 10-year vision for a ‘mine of the future’ became reality mid-year when all three underground coal mines in Australia began operating simultaneously from Remote Operation Centres (ROCs).
By September this year, the Bowen Basin underground operations hit another remarkable milestone, notching up 10,000 longwall mining shears from those ROCs.
Anglo American Australia automation specialist Matthew Wakeford said the rapid pace of technological innovation – especially in areas like data analytics, automation and digitalisation – had unlocked incredible opportunities for the mining sector to be safer, more productive and more sustainable.
“At Anglo American, we have re-imagined mines where our people can remotely manage operations from a safe distance, using real-time data to make informed decisions,” he said.
“Since transitioning to remote operations, we have reduced exposure risk to hazardous areas by 22,500 hours across our five Bowen Basin mine sites.
“By empowering our people to evolve alongside the industry, we have ensured the legacy of their expertise remains an indispensable cornerstone of success.
“The coal miners of today will continue to be the coal miners of tomorrow.”
Before Ango American’s Australian operations began their focus on autonomous mining in the 2010s, only one known mine globally had achieved sustainable remote operations – San Juan Mine in the United States.
Matthew said more than 1,000 system initiatives had enabled remote operation success during the company’s 10-year journey to this point.
“By developing state-of-the-art technologies and prioritising the well-being of our workforce through a collaborative approach, our steelmaking coal mines in Australia have emerged as leaders in the industry, reshaping the future of underground coal mining on a global scale,” he said.
RESTORING HOMES IN THE CANOPY
The Greater Glider (Petauroides volans) is a fascinating marsupial currently classified as vulnerable under Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.
Known for their incredible ability to glide up to 100 meters between trees, Greater Gliders use special membranes between their limbs to avoid predators and search for food – mainly eucalyptus leaves. As nocturnal creatures, they are active at night and rest in tree hollows during the day.
At Pembroke Resources Olive Downs Complex they have recognised the urgent need for conservation of this species and an opportunity to protect and research, adding to the limited data and learnings currently available.
One key challenge in preserving the Greater Glider is their dependence on tree hollows for shelter and raising their young. These hollows are mostly found in mature or old-growth trees, which are becoming increasingly rare. Without sufficient hollows, the Gliders’ survival is in jeopardy.
To address this, Pembroke has launched a nest box program to provide alternative homes for the Gliders, giving them a safe space to live and reproduce.
During Stage 1 of the program, over 550 nest boxes were installed in a dedicated conservation area.
The results so far have been promising. Greater Gliders have quickly taken to the new nest boxes and monitoring has revealed that other animals, such as Brushtail Possums, Krefft’s Gliders, Squirrel Gliders, Rainbow Lorikeets and Pale-faced Rosellas are also using the boxes. This highlights how the program is benefiting a range of wildlife, not just the Greater Gliders.
To track the success of the nest boxes, Pembroke conducts inspections every six months using elevated work platforms. They record which species are using the boxes and conduct any necessary maintenance. In addition, remote cameras have been installed on some occupied boxes to monitor the Gliders’ movements, which will help researchers learn more about their breeding and denning behaviors.
KEEPING IT CLEAN
The BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) is excited to continue its support for the work undertaken by Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) in helping communities take action for nature.
Since 2007, BMA have proudly partnered with CVA to engage the local community in environmental management activities at Hay Point and surrounding environments, making considerable progress in improving, monitoring and assessing the environment of that region.
In 2021, BMA and CVA launched the BMA #SeaToSource Mackay project, aiming to empower individuals and communities to take action on ocean litter.
Such events include beach clean-ups, source reduction workshops and microplastic education events.
At a recent beach clean-up event held in Mackay, BMA staff cleaned the beachside of the Mackay Harbour collecting cigarette butts, bread clips, sunglasses, microplastics and even an iPhone!
RESPONSIBLE POST-MINING OUTCOMES
Thiess Rehabilitation’s design optimisation and cost-effective strategies exemplify responsible post-mining outcomes in Queensland.
Delivering on its mission to create safe, stable, non-polluting post-mining land use outcomes, Thiess Rehabilitation recently employed design optimisation and cost-effective strategies at a Queensland coal mine.
The project team provided design, development and delivery services for the client, including delivering an improved final landform design, bulk earthworks and land forming, topsoil spreading and amelioration, and seeding and mulching activities.
The scope also included moving more than 20.3 million cubic metres of material, more than 95% of which was achieved with a bulk dozer fleet, delivering the lowest unit cost outcomes for the client.
The project showcased excellence in design optimisation and rehabilitation services and harnessed innovative drone technology for survey and seeding. This technology allowed the team to accurately map the land and efficiently distribute seeds.
Thiess Rehabilitation is uniquely positioned to deliver sustainable post-mining activities and contribute to a low-carbon future through projects like this.
“We believe value is only fully realised when we return the land to a safe, sustainable state. This project provided the opportunity to demonstrate how we use our whole-of-mine-life insights to design, develop, and deliver solutions that not only meet the needs of our clients but leave a positive legacy,” said Group Manager Jonathan Miln.
