Investigation into Rehabilitation

Introduction

Follow Arlia on her next adventure – exploring her local habitat and learning how rehabilitation can shape the land.

 

 

Land rehabilitation is the process of restoring land that has been impacted by resource related activities such as exploration, mining and oil and gas extraction. This process starts with the collection of baseline data and scientific analysis of the land and environment to identify areas where impacts need to be managed and minimised. Considerations include the analysis of the surrounding ecosystem including local flora and fauna, soil nutrient levels and waterways (rivers, lakes, dams). During operations, efforts are made to restore parts of the land progressively such as the planting of seeds in disturbed areas. When mining or site operations are completed, the land is required to be rehabilitated. This transformation can include restoring flora and fauna biodiversity by planting native vegetation, making the area suitable for farming, or turning it into recreational spaces like parks or lakes.

Consultation with community members and government is an important part of the rehabilitation process. The local community plays an essential role in deciding how the land will be used after mining. There are many options for what the site can become once operations are finished and this depends on what will provide the most value for the community. They can suggest ideas that benefit everyone, like creating new parks, sports facilities, or tourist attractions. For example, an old mine in New South Wales is being turned into a motorsport park, while a gold mine in Victoria is now a place where people can learn about the area’s mining history.

Download the classroom resources to learn more!

Resources include:

  • Minesite Rehabilitation Information Sheet
  • Animation Worksheet
  • Research Task Worksheet
  • Crossword Activity Sheet + Solutions
  • Teacher Information Sheet

 

Access an editable Word Document version here