Illegal prospecting during rehabilitation works

Illegal prospecting during rehabilitation works

Mine Earth was engaged to provide project management and technical support for the execution of the remedial rehabilitation earthworks for a closed gold mining project in the Goldfields region of WA. The works were undertaken by a local indigenous earthworks contractor and included bulk reprofiling of waste rock dump and ROM pad slopes along with topsoil spreading, contour ripping and seeding.


During the program, the rehabilitation team caught some illegal prospectors excavating and recovering dirt from within one of the works areas. The prospectors were politely asked to leave, which triggered an aggressive reaction and a dangerous getaway in a light vehicle during which they ran over signage and nearly collided with another vehicle.


Fortunately, the Gold Squad were onsite that day attending to another matter. A pursuit by the Gold Squad failed to apprehend the offenders on the day, but evidence collected from the scene led to their apprehension the following week. The offenders were arrested and convicted for gold theft, property destruction and threatening behaviour.


Additional illegal prospecting and excavation in the works area presented a risk to long-term rehabilitation performance including erosion stability, drainage control and vegetation performance. To mitigate this risk the proponent excavated the area of interest and removed the material offsite for processing. A cover of waste rock was applied to the excavated area along with topsoil and the resultant area was ripped and seeded.


By Samantha Ross June 6, 2025
Business Administrator Full Time Mine Earth is an industry-leading, ethically motivated mine closure consultancy, consisting of geologists, engineers, ecologists, soil scientists, geochemists, environmental scientists, and practitioners with unparalleled experience in mine closure and rehabilitation. Mine Earth has offices located in both O’Connor, Western Australia and Fortitude Valley, Queensland. Mine Earth is expanding and we’re seeking a highly motivated, experienced Business Administrator to support our Perth based Business Administration group. The successful applicant must demonstrate the following capabilities : A proactive attitude with solutions-orientated approach. The ability to work autonomously and collaboratively. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook). Time management skills with the ability to prioritise workload. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. A valid Australian Driver's License. The successful applicant must demonstrate the following experience: Administrative experience – supporting internal teams through general administration and project tasks. Organisational support – involvement in functions such as payroll, accounts, invoicing, recruitment coordination, onboarding and client services. Communication support – managing incoming and outgoing correspondence across email, phone and in-person interactions. Industry experience - minimum 10 years' experience in a relevant field, with experience in a small business environment viewed favourably. Candidates who possess the following skills will be highly regarded: Payroll – prior exposure to payroll processes and systems. Advanced Xero skills – confident use of platform Bookkeeping – experience capturing day-to-day transactions Project management tools – familiarity with Projectworks or similar software. Our Administration team thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where every day brings new challenges and opportunities. We are a friendly, approachable group dedicated to delivering high-quality outcomes. The Business Administrator role at Mine Earth offers the successful candidate a diverse range of responsibilities and the chance to contribute meaningfully within an innovative and supportive workplace. This position is ideal for someone who is highly organised, detail-oriented, and enjoys working in a collaborative and adaptable setting. Click " Apply Now " to submit your CV and cover letter by 2pm Friday 27 June 2025.
By Samantha Ross September 19, 2024
Mine Earth is pleased to announce that Dr. Véronique Lévy, Senior Principal Geochemist, has co-authored a paper presented at the ICARD conference hosted by the Canadian Institute of Mining in Halifax this week. The paper, titled "The Importance of Quality Control of Alkalinity Data during Pit Lake Modelling," emphasizes the critical role of alkalinity in acid neutralization and its influence on closure strategies. This research highlights Dr. Lévy's commitment to producing reliable water quality predictions essential for effective site closure. Additionally, we would like to recognize Dr. Peter Scott, the principal author of the paper, who presented this important work at the conference. Congratulations to all three co-authors for their significant contribution!  Abstract: The Importance of Quality Control of Alkalinity Data during Pit Lake Modelling.