Our delicate reminders for a healthy operation

Managing the impact to our environment

As an example of baseline assessment, In September and October, the latest targeted orchid survey was completed by environmental consultants JBS&G and the OneSteel Environment Team in areas of native vegetation surrounding the OneSteel South Middleback Ranges (SMR) iron ore mining operation.

In particular, the survey investigated the presence of greenhood orchids including the desert greenhood listed as “vulnerable” under Federal legislation.  The orchid is one of seven flora and fauna species at the OneSteel Manufacturing Pty Ltd (Administrators Appointed) (OneSteel) SMR operation that are listed under Federal Legislation for detailed assessment.

The timing of the surveys is crucial, as orchid species are best identified when open flowerheads are present.  To conduct the survey the joint team completed visual identification transects which are mapped lines walked to spot the orchids.  

The teams have the benefit of earlier surveys and knowledge of the type of environment the orchids are most likely to occur in and these are the areas targeted.  Several species of orchid were found; no new locations with the desert greenhood were identified, although they remain in known locations.

The desert greenhood orchid populations are endemic to inland South Australia and Victoria, some of which occur in the Middleback Ranges and Gawler Ranges and surrounds. 

Understanding the growing environment and distribution of these vulnerable orchids shows our mining regulators that we have the data and knowledge to effectively minimise or offset impacts to this important species while undertaking our mining operations.

This is one of the many assessments and management measures OneSteel takes to manage impact to the environment within and surrounding our mining operations.

Main picture: The recent survey conducted by JBS&G and the OneSteel Environment Team. Above: The desert greenhood orchid.