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Download This Page Case study ENVIRONMENT Update on biodiversity and heritage protection at Tropicana Tropicana, AustraliaTropicana, Thorny little devil, Tropicana Moth at Tropicana The third phase of thoroughly mapping the ecosystem around AngloGold Ashanti’s Australian Tropicana exploration operation continued throughout 2008. The objective of the project was to map the rich diversity of plant and animal species and a number of vegetation communities of interest, at the tenement package held by the joint venture. Meticulous surveying of animals, plants and the land was carried out. “Biodiversity is important as it sustains human livelihood and life itself. It is the basis of innumerable environmental services that keep humans and the natural environment alive,” says Andrew Parsons: Environmental Policy Advisor. The company developed a three-stage approach for identifying and managing the environmental and heritage value of the JV tenement. The first two stages were completed in 2007, while the third stage was still underway throughout 2008. This phase included systematic flora, fauna and archeological surveys. The work has yielded interesting results. Belinda Bastow, Environmental Manager: Tropicana Exploration provided the following results to date on surveys: • Vegetation community and flora survey The Tropicana Gold Project (TGP) has completed vegetation mapping over 200,000 hectares. This has identified one Declare Rare Flora Species, and 22 priority or threatened flora species. Over 400 flora species were recorded. The main survey area has 11 discrete vegetation communities with an additional 18 sub-communities. • Archeological and ethnographical survey All the tenements associated with the TGP have been surveyed and no identified archeological sites need to be removed by the project. • Vertebrate fauna survey 154 fauna species have been recorded across TGP survey areas, seven protected species and evidence of their activities have been recorded during the surveys. Case study Environment 2008 – 1 – ENVIRONMENT • Subterranean fauna surveys Surveying of Stygofauna (fauna that live within groundwater systems) and Troglofauna (subterranean animals that exist only in caves and cavities, perfectly adapted to life in permanent darkness) has been completed. No stygofauna species were observed. Four phases of troglofauna sampling were completed, and two troglobitic species were recorded. A surprise discovery of the Southern Marsupial Mole in the area was reported. • Systematic threatened flora and fauna surveys anticipated to occur within the Tropicana/Havana operational area. Systematic surveys were completed in the operational area for Southern Marsupial Mole (SMM), Malleefowl, Sandhill Dunnart, Mulgara, Victoria Desert Smoke Bush and the predicted priority flora species. This study identified evidence of SMM and Malleefowl, and identified suitable habitat for Mulgara and Sandhill Dunnart and Victoria Desert Smoke Bush. “This information will expand the knowledge of this region and will be provided to government to be incorporated into the existing state-wide natural and archeological/heritage database,” says Bastow. In addition TJV sponsored a Regional SMM survey, in which potential habitat between the Northern Territory Boarder, Laverton, Queen Victoria Springs and the South Australian border for the mole was identified. This study confirmed that SMM do live in this area, yet previous studies have no records of SMM from most of the surveyed area. TJV also partnered with the WA Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) and the local Tjuntjuntjarra Community to undertake a two season fauna vertebrate and invertebrate survey of the Neale Junction Nature Reserve (100 kilometres north east of the proposed TGP). This project included a threatened flora assessment, and broad flora and vegetation community classification assessment. In October 2008, 16 community members participated in the survey as part of a landscope survey. The TJV assisted the DEC undertake a Feral Camel Survey of the Great Victoria Desert Region near the TGP as they are increasing in numbers in Australia, causing a major environmental problem. “Additional studies and monitoring will continue throughout the life of this project. We are designing a project for the future, thus it is critical to understand the biodiversity and natural value of the area that must be protected. Mining does not have to be the cause of adverse impact on the local environment” concluded Bastow. Also see http://web/Results/Archive/AnnualReport07/ReportToSociety07/Tropicana.htm Case study Environment 2008 – 2 –.
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