Humpback Whale Distribution and Abundance in the Near Shore SW

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Humpback Whale Distribution and Abundance in the Near Shore SW Field Report A Description of Humpback Whale and other Mega fauna Distribution and Abundance in the Western Pilbara Using Aerial Surveys – 2009/2010 Prepared by Curt and Micheline Jenner Centre for Whale Research (WA) Inc. PO Box 1622 Fremantle WA 6959 [email protected] 1. Abstract Aerial surveys were conducted across a 12 month period in the coastal region of the proposed Anketell Point Iron Ore Port facility in order to determine mega fauna distribution and abundance for development purposes. A total of 1069 humpback whales were sighted in 22 aerial surveys over the western Pilbara offshore region during mid August 2009 to late July 2010. The aerial surveys also reported regular sightings of dolphins, manta rays and turtles throughout the survey. A useful humpback whale baseline dataset has been established prior to establishment of the new port facility so that managers and key stakeholders can proceed with an understanding of where potentially important areas to humpback whales may be monitored. 2. Objective The primary purpose of this study is to determine the seasonal distribution and relative abundance of humpback whales and other mega fauna along the western Pilbara coast near Anketell Point during a 12 month seasonal cycle. Aerial surveys were considered the most effective means of detecting spatial and temporal species clusters in the time window assigned and which could be used for preliminary environmental assessment purposes. This report describes a 12 month dataset collected at approximately two week intervals during the predicted peak whale period (June to November) and at 3 week intervals during off-peak periods(December to May). 3. Introduction The Centre for Whale Research (CWR) was commissioned by API Ltd in October 2009 to design, conduct and analyse, a series of aerial surveys that would best compliment existing datasets and fill knowledge gaps in great whale and other mega fauna distribution and abundance along the inshore and offshore western Pilbara coastline (Figure 1). This is the final report which documents the complete 12 month monitoring programme (in total 22 aerial surveys) and provides contextual interpretation of the results for future management purposes. It forms the first step in a systematic process to address the question: Does Anketell Point and the surrounding off-shore area represent a biologically important area for humpback whales? 1 | P a g e 3.1 Survey Relevance CWR has been conducting independent studies into the population dynamics and migratory habits of humpback whales in Western Australia since 1990. CWR has confirmed Chittleboroughs’ (1953) theory that Exmouth Gulf, 325 km to the southwest of the study area (2-4 days swim-time, based on speeds of 2.4 – 4.6 km/hr, Dawbin (1956) and Chittleborough (1965)), is a nursery area for humpback whales (Jenner et. al. 2001). As such, Exmouth Gulf represents the closest known biologically important area for humpback whales to the study site and here is used as a comparison basis for this study program. The understanding of Exmouth Gulfs’ role for humpback whales is more advanced than that at Anketell Point. CWR has conducted a variety of boat-based (including photo-id, genetic, behavioural and satellite tracking) and aerial survey studies in Exmouth Gulf since 1995. Humpback whales are expected to be the most frequently encountered protected species in the Anketell study area although direct study programs have not been conducted in this general area since 1994 (at Dampier, Jenner and Jenner( 1994)). Chittleborough (1953) first described Exmouth Gulf as a possible “nursery” for humpback whales based on aerial surveys over the area in 1951 and 1952. These flights were a regular part of an exploratory process designed to maximise returns for the commercial whaling industry. A whaling station operated at Norwegian Bay near Pt Cloates (Lat S 22˚ 36’) from 1912 to 1916 and then from 1922 to 1928, and finally from 1949 to 1955. By 1963, when a moratorium on humpback whaling commenced, there was thought to be less than 800 whales left in Breeding Population “D”, or the Western Australian population (Chittleborough 1965). Now, over forty years on since the cessation of whaling, this population of whales is thought to have been recovering at an annual rate of between 7 and 12% (Hedley et al., 2009; Salgado Kent et al., 2010). By extrapolating this recovery rate forward to 2010, the population could reach 30-35,000 individuals. If, as suggested, approximately 10% of this population is represented by cow/calf pairs, then as many as 3,500 pairs could use nursing areas like Exmouth Gulf by 2010. How this population increase is progressing and how it relates to other nursing or resting areas is of great interest to industry and regulatory managers. 2 | P a g e Figure 1. Aerial survey flight paths for the Anketell 2009/2010 study period showing proximity to the 2000–2009 CWR aerial survey flight paths near North West Cape and the Exmouth Gulf series from 2004/2005. 3 | P a g e 3.2 Background Research – Humpback Whales at Exmouth Gulf/North West Cape Exmouth Gulf is the nearest area on the WA coast to Anketell Point that detailed migration data for humpback whales exists. Timing of migration and off-shore distribution patterns of whales from the two adjacent, but separate, study sites will be compared. The migration of humpback whales both north and south past Exmouth Gulf follows predictable but complicated patterns each season. The northern migration of this species near Albany, Western Australia, has been described by Chittleborough (1965) as being segregated by age and sex class. It is likely that this same pattern, where subadults and mature females terminating lactation are in the vanguard of the northern migration, followed by mature males and females and then later pregnant females (carrying near-term foetuses), is present off North West Cape and the broader south western Pilbara offshore region. The southern migration follows a similar order, with addition of cows and their newly born calves at the tail end of the migration. The cow/calf portion of the migration congregates in greatest numbers inside Exmouth Gulf, but their spatial/temporal distribution has not previously been described near the Anketell study area. Spatially, the northern migratory path is consistent for all age and sex classes off North West Cape and centres on about the 250 m depth contour (Figure 2). Whales rarely enter Exmouth Gulf during the northern migration (June to early August), perhaps due to the 3˚C or more temperature difference between the open ocean and the shallow Gulf during June to early August. A transition phase between the northern and southern migrations occurs from early August to early September (Figure 3). This time period coincides with peak numbers of whales each season (Figure 5) and results in the migratory path spreading spatially to include a much wider depth range than is observed during the northern or southern migration. Sightings of whales inside the northern warmer part of the Gulf increase during early September and by mid-late September the main southbound migratory peak passes by west of North West Cape with some animals entering the Gulf (Figure 4). 4 | P a g e Northern Migration (June to early August) Exmouth Gulf Figure 2. Aerial survey sightings of humpback whales during the northern migratory period (June to early August) in 2000 and 2001. Data from CWR aerial surveys in Woodside Energy EIS Document (2002) section 2.3.2.5. Peak of Migration (mid August to early September) Exmouth Gulf Figure 3. Aerial survey sightings of humpback whales during the Transition Phase (mid August to early September) in 2000 and 2001. Data from CWR aerial surveys in Woodside Energy EIS Document (2002) section 2.3.2.5. 5 | P a g e Southern Migration (mid September to December) Exmouth Gulf Figure 4. Aerial survey sightings of humpback whales during the southern migratory period (mid September to December) in 2000 and 2001. Data from CWR aerial surveys in Woodside Energy EIS Document (2002) section 2.3.2.5. 140 120 106 100 80 60 45.5 40 32 32.5 24 17 15 16 20 9.5 12.5 5 7.5 9 6.5 6.5 2 0.5 1.5 0 Jul4-13 Oct 2-11Oct Aug3-12 Sep2-11 Mean number of pods / 10 day block Jul 14-23Jul 1-10Nov June4-13 12-21Oct 22-31Oct Aug13-22 Sep12-21 Nov 11-20Nov 21-30Nov June14-23 Jul 24-AugJul 2 Sep22-Oct 1 June24-Jul 3 Aug23-Sep 1 Sample period Figure 5. Mean number of humpback whale pods recorded during aerial surveys in 10 day sample blocks per sampling season during the months of June to October ( X 1 SE). Data from CWR aerial surveys west of, and not including, Exmouth Gulf for Woodside Energy 2000/2001, Woodside Energy EIS Document (2002) section 2.3.2.5. It is likely that water temperature plays a role in determining when whales, particularly cow/calf pairs trying to minimise metabolic expenditures, enter Exmouth Gulf, however it is also possible that 6 | P a g e the northward facing opening to the Gulf acts to trap whales migrating southwards along the coast. Cow/calf numbers inside the Gulf peak during the first two weeks of October (Figure 6), at a similar time annually that the sea surface temperature inside the Gulf becomes equal to that found offshore at the same latitude (Figures 7 & 8). 35 30 25 20 15 10 Number of Calves of Number 5 0 Figure 6. Numbers of cow/calf pod sightings from 2005 aerial surveys inside Exmouth Gulf (CWR unpubl. data).
Recommended publications
  • September Shire of Roebourne Local Planning Strategy Evidential Analysis Paper: (Major Industry Projects)
    September Shire of Roebourne Local Planning Strategy Evidential Analysis Paper: (Major Industry Projects) Shire of Roebourne – Economic Development Strategy Preliminary Paper Version Control Document History and Status Status Issued To Qty Date Reviewed Approved Draft MP 1 23/4/13 Report Details Name: Author: Client: Name of doc: Doc version: Project number: P85029 SM Shire of Shire of Roebourne Electronic Draft 85029 MPD Roebourne – Local Planning P1263 SM Strategy 3103 PS Disclaimer: If you are a party other than the Shire of Roebourne, MacroPlan Dimasi: owes you no duty (whether in contract or in tort or under statute or otherwise) with respect to or in connection with the attached report or any part thereof; and will have no liability to you for any loss or damage suffered or costs incurred by you or any other person arising out of or in connection with the provision to you of the attached report or any part thereof, however the loss or damage is caused, including, but not limited to, as a result of negligence. If you are a party other than the Shire of Roebourne and you choose to rely upon the attached report or any part thereof, you do so entirely at your own risk. The responsibility for determining the adequacy or otherwise of our terms of reference is that of the Shire of Roebourne. The findings and recommendations in this report are given in good faith but, in the preparation of this report, we have relied upon and assumed, without independent verification, the accuracy, reliability and completeness of the information made available to us in the course of our work, and have not sought to establish the reliability of the information by reference to other evidence.
    [Show full text]
  • Quarterly Activities and Cashflow Report for Period Ending 30 June 2008
    4 July 2008 The Company Announcements Office ASX Limited Via E Lodgement QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES AND CASHFLOW REPORT FOR PERIOD ENDING 30 JUNE 2008 Yours faithfully CAPE LAMBERT IRON ORE LIMITED Ian Burston Executive Chairman Cape Lambert Iron Ore Limited 4 July 2008 June 2008 Quarterly Report Page 2 of 9 REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDING 30 JUNE 2008 COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS Corporate • A General Meeting of Shareholders to consider the sale of the Cape Lambert Iron Ore project is scheduled for 28 July 2008, • A Notice of Meeting has been mailed to Shareholders and can be downloaded from the Company’s website at www.capelam.com.au, • Subject to Shareholders approving the sale of the Project and the receipt of Chinese government approvals, the first tranche of AUD$240 million is to be paid by MCC on 31 July 2008 with payment of the second tranche of AUD$80 million due on 15 September 2008, • At the end of the quarter, the Company had cash of AUD$16.2 million, • During the quarter, 3.3 million options exercisable at AUD$0.90 each on or before 30 June 2008 lapsed without being exercised, • On 28 April 2008, the Company appointed Grant Thornton UK LLP as Nominated Adviser pursuant to its admission to London’s AIM market. Cape Lambert South Project • The 3km long, untested magnetic anomaly located on ELA 47/1493, which is excluded from the MCC sale, has been named the Cape Lambert South Project, • Preliminary enquiries have been issued to drilling contractors to secure a multi- purpose drill rig to enable drilling to commence at Cape Lambert South in September/October 2008.
    [Show full text]
  • J a N H O P E & Partners
    J A N H O P E & PARTNERS PUBLIC RELATIONS CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS ABN 55 042 486 807 Business Iron ore alliance aims to pressure miners for infrastructure access JOHN PHACEAS, PERTH 477 words 19 February 2007 The Age First 1 English © 2007 Copyright John Fairfax Holdings Limited. www.theage.com.au Not available for re- distribution. FOURTEEN prospective Pilbara iron ore miners have formed a fledgling alliance to fight for access to critical transport infrastructure in the region, including the massive port and rail networks of mining giants BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto. The so-called Pilbara Iron Ore Alliance will aim to present a united front to lobby for infrastructure access and investment to unlock hundreds of millions of tonnes of "stranded" iron ore resources in the region. The group is expected to adopt a similar approach to that of the Geraldton Iron Ore Alliance, which was launched last year to present a united voice in representing start-up iron ore miners in the state's mid-west, especially in relation to co-ordinating their conflicting infrastructure requirements. At a meeting at the West Perth headquarters of the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies last week, representatives from the 14 iron ore juniors met to formulate the agenda and core objectives of the alliance. Last week's meeting was initiated by Atlas Iron chief executive David Flanagan, whose company is racing with Fortescue Metals to become the first new iron ore miner in the Pilbara in more than two decades. Atlas hopes to commission its boutique 1-million-tonnes-a-year Pardoo hematite mine near Port Hedland early in 2008.
    [Show full text]
  • Case Study: Rio Tinto Iron Ore (Pilbara Iron) Centralized Monitoring Solution
    Case Study: Rio Tinto Iron Ore (Pilbara Iron) Centralized Monitoring Solution of 2007, seven mines all linked by the world’s largest privately owned rail network. CHALLENGES To meet the growing demand for their iron ore, particularly from the ever-growing Chinese market, Pilbara Iron were faced with the challenge of increasing production from their mining operations, or more importantly preventing stoppages in production, while maintaining quality. It was recognized that the process control systems at their processing plants were critical assets required to be available and reliable while keeping the plant within the optimal production limits. At the same time the mining industry, like most industries, was and is facing a worldwide shortage of skilled labor to operate and maintain their plants. Rio Tinto Iron Ore Figure 1. Pilbara Iron’s operations has the added burden of very remote mining operations, making it even harder to attract and retain experienced and skilled labor, PROFILE particularly control and process engineers. The mining operations of Rio Tinto Iron Ore (Pilbara Iron) in Australia are located in the Pilbara Region, In order to offer the benefits of living in a a remote outback area in northwest Western modern thriving city, a group of process control Australia, some 1200 kilometers from Perth. Pilbara professionals was established in Perth. Iron has three export port facilities and, by the end The members of this team came from Rio Tinto A WEB-BASED SOLUTION Asset Utilization, a corporate support group To meet this need a centralized monitoring solution established within Rio Tinto at the time to address was established, with data collection performed at performance improvement across all operations the sites and analysis and diagnosis undertaken worldwide, and Pilbara Iron itself.
    [Show full text]
  • Cape Lambert to Emu Siding Rail Duplication
    Cape Lambert to Emu Siding Rail Duplication Assessment on Proponent Information DRAFT Prepared for Rio Tinto by Strategen April 2011 Cape Lambert to Emu Siding Rail Duplication Assessment on Proponent Information DRAFT Strategen is a trading name of Strategen Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd Level 2, 322 Hay Street Subiaco WA ACN: 056 190 419 April 2011 Disclaimer and Limitation This report has been prepared for the exclusive use of the Client, in accordance with the agreement between the Client and Strategen (“Agreement”). Strategen accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for it in respect of any use of or reliance upon this report by any person who is not a party to the Agreement. In particular, it should be noted that this report is a qualitative assessment only, based on the scope of services defined by the Client, budgetary and time constraints imposed by the Client, the information supplied by the Client (and its agents), and the method consistent with the preceding. Strategen has not attempted to verify the accuracy or completeness of the information supplied by the Client. Copyright and any other Intellectual Property arising from the report and the provision of the services in accordance with the Agreement belongs exclusively to Strategen unless otherwise agreed. This document may not be reproduced or disclosed to any person other than the Client without the express written authority of Strategen unless the document has been released for referral and assessment of proposals. Client: Rio Tinto Report Version Prepared
    [Show full text]
  • Magnetite Makes a Comeback Under Magnate
    Australian 10/03/2008 Page: 33 Business News Region: National Circulation: 133000 Type: National Size: 219.06 sq.cms MTWTF Magnetite makesacomeback under magnate Nigel Wilson Hematite is usually associated amount of en-below 65 per cent. Just as impor- Energy writer with alumina. ergy they use fortant is the capability of producing This means that a lot of energy both cost and en-magnetite pellets with less than 5 IAN Burston is a West Australian needs to be employed by steel vironmental rea-per cent silica content. legend, a man synonymous with mills in the sintering process that sons. There are a number of magne- the development of the iron oreremoves impurities such as alu- This makes tite hopefuls in WA, particularly industry in WA. mina. pelletising in in the Murchison region east of Now executive chairman of Magnetite host rocks do not Australia for nat- Geraldton, but Burston argues Cape Lambert Iron Ore, he has containalumina,butcontain Burston ural gas that the Cape Lambert project held many executive manage- silica. rather than thelocated 5km from the Pilbara ment posts in the mining sector Because it has a lower iron oil fuel used in the 1970s and 80s coast, 10km from Rio Tinto's since being Hamersley Iron's content than hematite, magnetite a far more viable proposition. Cape Lambert iron ore port with managing director in the 1970s. has been regardedasaless "`What we are doing is takingdirect connection to nearby infra- There he oversaw the develop- attractive proposition. the energycostof removingstructure and the townships of ment of the mining of hematite In the 1980s, the iron ore alumina from hematite from the Karratha, Roebourne and Wick- first as lump ore then as fines, industry was characterised by steel producers and giving them a ham, make it a shoo-in.
    [Show full text]
  • UN/LOCODE) for Australia
    United Nations Code for Trade and Transport Locations (UN/LOCODE) for Australia N.B. To check the official, current database of UN/LOCODEs see: https://www.unece.org/cefact/locode/service/location.html UN/LOCODE Location Name State Functionality Status Coordinatesi AU 2CO Tyabb VIC Road terminal; Recognised location 3815S 14511E AU 2IC Tarneit VIC Road terminal; Recognised location 3752S 14440E AU 2SN Yarrawarrah NSW Road terminal; Recognised location 3403S 15102E AU 2TO Wollert VIC Road terminal; Recognised location 3735S 14502E AU 2UA Woolooware NSW Road terminal; Recognised location 3403S 15108E AU 2VC Springvale South VIC Road terminal; Recognised location 3758S 14509E AU 2WS Brooklyn NSW Road terminal; Recognised location 3333S 15114E AU 32S Seaford SA Road terminal; Recognised location 3511S 13828E AU 3CI Rythdale VIC Road terminal; Recognised location 3808S 14526E AU 3CO Upwey VIC Road terminal; Recognised location 3754S 14520E AU 3WS Yowie Bay NSW Road terminal; Recognised location 3403S 15106E AU 4VC Strathewen VIC Road terminal; Recognised location 3733S 14516E AU 5CI Selby VIC Port; Multimodal function, ICD etc.; Recognised location 3755S 14523E AU 5CO Wantirna VIC Road terminal; Recognised location 3751S 14513E AU 5RC Werribee South VIC Road terminal; Recognised location 3756S 14443E AU 5TO Yan Yean VIC Road terminal; Recognised location 3734S 14506E AU 5WA Pilbara WA Road terminal; Recognised location 2115S 11818E AU 6CO Warrandyte VIC Road terminal; Recognised location 3745S 14514E AU 6DF West Hoxton NSW Road terminal; Recognised
    [Show full text]
  • Cape Lambert Port B Development
    Cape Lambert Port B Development ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING DOCUMENT 26 June 2008 Cape Lambert Port B Development ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING DOCUMENT 26 June 2008 Sinclair Knight Merz 7th Floor, Durack Centre 263 Adelaide Terrace PO Box H615 Perth WA 6001 Australia Tel: +61 8 9268 4400 Fax: +61 8 9268 4488 Web: www.skmconsulting.com LIMITATION: This report has been prepared on behalf of and for the exclusive use of Sinclair Knight Merz Pty Ltd’s Client, and is subject to and issued in connection with the provisions of the agreement between Sinclair Knight Merz and its Client. Sinclair Knight Merz accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for or in respect of any use of or reliance upon this report by any third party. The SKM logo is a trade mark of Sinclair Knight Merz Pty Ltd. © Sinclair Knight Merz Pty Ltd, 2006 Cape Lambert Port B Development Environmental Scoping Document Contents 1. Introduction 1 1.1 Background 1 1.2 Purpose of Environmental Scoping Document 1 1.3 Identification of Proponent 2 1.4 Existing Facilities 3 1.5 Project Justification and local context 3 1.6 Early Works 4 2. Summary of Proposal 5 2.1 Proposal Outline 5 2.2 Approvals Strategy 5 2.3 Key Project Characteristics 5 2.4 Stockyard Management 6 2.5 Ore Delivery Systems 6 2.6 Wharf Works 6 2.7 Dredging Program 7 2.8 Services and Utilities 7 2.8.1 Support and Infrastructure Facilities 7 2.8.2 Water Supply 7 2.9 Alternatives Considered 8 3. Applicable Legislation 9 3.1 Western Australian Legislation 9 3.2 Commonwealth Legislation 9 4.
    [Show full text]
  • WA Iron Ore Profile – June 2020 1
    Western Australia Iron Ore Profile June 2020 THE WORLD IRON ORE MARKET Major global iron ore1 suppliers Western Australia accounted for two-thirds Western Australia of the world’s additional iron ore supply Brazil between 2009 and 2019. China Western Australia is the largest iron ore supplier in the world, accounting for 37% India of global supply in 2019, followed by Brazil Russia (16%). 2009 China (12%), India (10%) and Russia Ukraine 2019 (5%) are major global iron ore suppliers, South Africa but retain most of their production for domestic steel manufacturing. Iran In 2019, iron ore supply from: Canada • Western Australia fell 1% to 878Mt. United States • Brazil fell 14% to 384Mt. • China rose 13% to 271Mt. 0Mt 200Mt 400Mt 600Mt 800Mt 1000Mt • India rose 15% to 235Mt. 1 Mined iron ore. Source: Wood Mackenzie, Global Iron Ore Markets Long-term Outlook Data 2020 Q1. Asian iron ore1 demand Asia accounted for 78% of global iron ore 2000Mt demand in 2019, with China (58%), India (9%), Japan (5%) and South Korea (3%) having the largest shares. 1500Mt In 2019, Asia’s iron ore demand rose 4% to 1,690Mt. Within Asia, iron ore demand from: 1000Mt • China rose 5% to 1,248Mt. • Japan, South Korea and Taiwan combined fell 2% to 209Mt. • Rest of Asia rose 6% to 232Mt. 500Mt Wood Mackenzie forecasts Asia’s iron ore demand will fall by 9 million tonnes from 2019 to 2039. Lower demand in China 0Mt (down 238Mt) and Japan, South Korea 2009 2014 2019 2024 2029 2034 2039 and Taiwan combined (down 22Mt) will be China Japan, South Korea & Taiwan Rest of Asia(a) largely offset by growth in the rest of Asia 1 Total iron ore consumption.
    [Show full text]
  • Iron Ore (Cleveland- Cliffs) Agreement
    WESTERN AUSTRALIA. IRON ORE (CLEVELAND- CLIFFS) AGREEMENT. No. 95 of 1985. AN ACT to amend the Iron Ore (Cleveland-Cliffs) Agreement Act 1964. [Assented to 4 December 19851 RE it enacted by the Queens Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Council and the Legislative Assembly of Western Australia, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:— Short title 1. (1) This Act may be cited as the Iron Ore and principal (Cleveland-Cliffs) Agreement Amendment Act 1985. Act. Act No. 91 (2) In this Act the Iron Ore (Cleveland-Cliffs) of 1969 as amended by Agreement Act 1964 is referred to as the principal Acts Nos. 79 of 1969, 35 Act. of 1970, 68 of 1973 and 37 of 1984. No. 95.] Iron Ore (Cleveland-Cliffs) [1985. Agreement. Commence- ment. 2. This Act shall come into operation on the day on which it is assented to by the Governor. Section 2 amended. 3. Section 2 of the principal Act is amended by inserting after the definition of "the first variation agreement" the following definition- " "the fourth variation agreement" means the agreement a copy of which is set forth in the Fifth Schedule to this Act; ". Section 3D inserted. 4. After section 3C of the principal Act the following section is inserted 3D. (1) The fourth variation agreement is approved and ratified. (2) The implementation of the fourth variation agreement is authorized. (3) Without limiting or otherwise affecting the application of the Government Agreements Act 1979, the fourth variation agreement shall operate and take effect notwithstanding any other Act or law.
    [Show full text]
  • Australia's Idendified Mineral Resources
    AUSTRALIA’S IDENTIFIED MINERAL RESOURCES 2009 AUSTRALIA’S IDENTIFIED MINERAL RESOURCES 2009 ­­Australian Government Geoscience Australia Resources, Energy and Tourism Portfolio Minister for Resources, Energy and Tourism: The Hon. the Hon Martin Ferguson AM, MP Geoscience Australia Chief Executive Officer: Dr Neil Williams © Commonwealth of Australia, 2008 This work is copyright. Apart from any fair dealings for the purposes of study, research, criticism, or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission. Copyright is the responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer, Geoscience Australia. Requests and enquiries should be directed to the Chief Executive Officer, Geoscience Australia, GPO Box 378, Canberra ACT 2601. ABN: 80 091 799 039. Geoscience Australia has tried to make the information in this product as accurate as possible. However, it does not guarantee that the information is totally accurate or complete. Therefore, you should not rely solely on this information when making a commercial decision. ISSN 1327-1466 Bibliographic reference: Geoscience Australia 2009. Australia’s Identified Mineral Resources 2009. Geoscience Australia, Canberra. FRONT COVER: Iron ore loading at Cape Lambert port facilities, Western Australia (Rio Tinto Iron Ore). DESI GN AND LAYOUT: Henry Pippan, Geoscience Australia AUSTRALIA’S IDENTIFIED MINERAL RESOURCES 2009 Foreword Geoscience Australia provides important information on Australia’s future mineral production capacity. Australia’s Identified Mineral Resources is an annual nation-wide assessment which takes a long term view of what is potentially economic. Data on mining company estimates of ore reserves, which are generally based on short to medium-term commercial considerations, are included for comparison.
    [Show full text]
  • Iron Country: Unlocking the Pilbara
    Iron country: Unlocking the Pilbara DAVID LEE A PUBLIC POLICY ANALYSIS PRODUCED FOR 09 THE MINERALS COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA JUNE 2015 Iron country: Unlocking the Pilbara DAVID LEE MINERALS COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA June 2015 Dr David Lee is the Director of the Historical Publications and Research Unit, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He is the author of Australia and the World in the Twentieth Century, Melbourne, 2005 and Stanley Melbourne Bruce: Australian Internationalist, London and New York, 2010. He is currently researching Australia’s post-1960 mining booms and a collaborative biography of Sir John Crawford. The Minerals Council of Australia represents Australia’s exploration, mining and minerals processing industry, nationally and internationally, in its contribution to sustainable economic and social development. This publication is part of the overall program of the MCA, as endorsed by its Board of Directors, but does not necessarily reflect the views of individual members of the Board. ISBN 978-0-9925333-4-2 MINERALS COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA Level 3, 44 Sydney Ave, Forrest ACT 2603 (PO Box 4497, Kingston ACT Australia 2604) P. + 61 2 6233 0600 | F. + 61 2 6233 0699 W. www.minerals.org.au | E. [email protected] Copyright © 2015 Minerals Council of Australia. All rights reserved. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 and subsequent amendments, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher and copyright holders.
    [Show full text]