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ver the past decade BHP Billiton has doubled the
size of its Western Australian iron ore business
to meet unprecedented demand from global
customers. The company’s iron ore operations in
the Pilbara region involve a complex integrated
system of seven existing mines, more than 1,000 kilometres
of rail, and two separate world-class port facilities. Additional
expansion plans are currently under construction or are being
studied and will further increase production capacity.
Western Australia, and in particular the Pilbara region, has
some of the richest and most unusual biodiversity on earth,
much of which occurs nowhere else. It is recognised as being
significant on a national and global scale for its complex and
ancient environmental profile.
BHP Billiton takes into account the social, cultural and
natural values of the area and does its utmost to protect
and enhance these. The company adheres to a Charter
and Sustainable Development Policy with an overriding
commitment to health, safety, environment and the community.
Operations are conducted with the aims of achieving leading
industry practice with zero harm to people, host communities
and the environment.
BHP Billiton is achieving excellent results in biodiversity
protection in the unique and complex environment of the
Pilbara region. There is continual assessment and management
of potential impacts on local biodiversity, throughout the life
cycle of mining activities — from initial investment to operation
and mine closure. BHP Billiton is also closely involved
in conservation partnerships with Nature Conservancy,
Earthwatch Australia, Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa (KJ) and Greening
Australia, and contributes to protecting biodiversity through
research activities and knowledge sharing.
WHY BIODIVERSITY?
Biodiversity is the variety of life – the different plants,
animals and micro-organisms, and their ecosystems.
Biodiversity provides the life support system for all living
things and is a measure of the health of the environment.
Climate, the water balance and natural resource formation
are all underpinned by biodiversity. If the balance is out, this
can have a devastating impact on the environment.
LEAVING A
LASTINGLEGACY
BHP BILLITON IRON ORE OPERATIONS IN THE PILBARA
O
IN THE PILBARA
A CATTLE GORGE CAVE SAMPLED DURING THE GENETIC STUDY ON PILBARA LEAF-NOSED BATS
MINESITE 2011
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