Environmental effects of coal mining methods from minerals west coast NZ

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The drive to develop energy resources and increase the efficiency with which the world uses energy is vital. 40% of the world's energy needs are met by coal. This is forecast to increase. The rapic development and implementation of clean coal technologies is therefore very important. Visit the World Coal Institute website for information on emerging technologies.

Equally vital is the continued development of environmentally appropriate mining methods.

One example of this environmental commitment is the collection and removal of Powelliphanta snails from the Mt Augustus ridgeline at Solid Energy's Stockton mine. Snails are collected and relocated prior to the vegetation and topsoil being removed and stockpiled for later rehabilitation.

An integral part of this project is the deconstruction of the ridgeline. Innovative technology and practices combine to address potential effects on adjacent land, as shown below.

The West Coast - Coal and The Environment

Snails are collected then removed from the area for later relocation

Snail hunters' methodically work their way through the vegetation.

Powelliphanta 'augustus' in a bed of sphagnum moss ready for relocation.

Snails are collected then removed from the area for later relocation

Careful deconstruction of the ridgeline. Lowland north of Westport , and the Tasman Sea, can just be glimpsed through the cloud at left of picture.