Mining ban sparks environmental debate

A piece of wilderness in the north of South Australiahas been declared out of bounds for mining. The landmark decision to protect Arkaroola from mining has been a costly blow for explorer Marathon Resources but has been applauded by the green revolution.


After years of debate the unique Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges has been declared a mining-free zone.


Premier Mike Rann made the announcement on July 24 and won widespread community support for the environmental stance, although concerns have been raised about potential compensation costs.


Mining company Marathon Resources and its legal team have entered discussions with the State Government after investing heavily in mining exploration in the area. Shares in the junior explorer fell after the mining ban was announced.


Marathon was granted an exploration license for the uranium-rich area this year, after being banned for dumping waste in 2008. It had been preparing to start drilling in what it has described as the ‘fifth-biggest undeveloped uranium deposit in Australia’.


Walking the tightrope


The Arkaroola ban has highlighted the balancing act involved in exploiting the nation’s rich natural resources while protecting vulnerable and unique environments.


Australian mining companies are widely regarded as world-leaders in establishing best practice mining.


The industry has a code of practice governing site restoration, air emissions, contamination, water and hazardous materials management. Switching to eco-friendly industrial liquids instead of harsh chemicals (such as the popular Extreme Green range which includes dust suppressor and non-toxic cleaners) or finding uses for mineral-rich mining waste are significant steps forward.


Yet mining continues to leave a heavy environmental footprint – soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, water contamination from non-eco-friendly liquid products and native vegetation removal are part of the price.


These concerns prompted the decision to protect Arkaroola, which will be excised from the State’s Mining Act and nominated for National Heritage Listing.


The South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy has labelled the decision short-sighted, claiming it failed to accommodate future technological advances, such as mining without surface disturbance.


Compensation talks continue but for the South Australian community support for the mining ban remains high – it appears the public wants a line to be drawn in the sand. Some areas just shouldn’t be touched.


The way forward lies in developing improved technologies and continuing to implement best practise across Australia’s mining sector. Perth-based environmental cleaning products company Envirosafe Solutions proudly supports the mining sector’s green efforts by supplying the industry with its Extreme Green product range.

From bio-fuels to eco friendly products – greener skies for aviation industry

Australia could develop an aviation biofuels industry that was both economically and environmentally sustainable according to a new report by the CSIRO. The study highlights new opportunities for the aviation industry to reduce fossil fuel reliance. Teamed with other environmental initiatives (such as eco-friendly industrial products) it promises a greener way to take to the skies.

An Australia-New Zealand aviation biofuels industry could cut greenhouse emissions by 17 per cent and reduce Australia’s aviation fuel imports by $2 billion over the next 20 years.

The new industry would also generate more than 12,000 jobs.

The CSIRO study paints a promising outlook for aviation at a time when air travel has come under increased scrutiny over carbon emissions. The green revolutionof tomorrow’s aviation industry incorporates new, more aerodynamic aircraft technology.

“This study (the Flight Path to sustainable Aviation) highlights promising options for the aviation industry,” CSIRO project leader and economist Paul Graham.“It also identifies the market, infrastructure and governance changes that will be required for success.

“Through the uptake of sustainable bio-derived jet fuel, together with next generation aircraft and engines, the industry can reduce both its emissions and its reliance on imported fossil fuel.”

While bio-fuels and aircraft design look set to shape the future of sustainable air-travel, simple changes today also promise to make an environmental difference.

Initiatives such as carbon offset flights have allowed air passengers to reduce their carbon footprint as they travel the globe.

By paying a voluntary charge when booking tickets, passengers on many of Australia’s airlines – including Qantas and Virgin – can contribute to carbon reduction schemes.

Airlines can also employ best environmental practice at airports and hangers to reduce environmental footprint.

A switch to environmental cleaning products can make a big difference to air, soil and water pollution, better protect equipment and improve safety for staff and passengers.

Eco-friendly industrial liquids are biodegradable, safe and minimise the build-up of residual toxicity, which contributes to corrosion on plant and equipment –a significant safety concern for those in charge of aircraft maintenance.

Harsh solvent-based cleaners or products containing fluoride or chlorine can be replaced by environmentally friendly cleaners to reduce environmental impacts.

Leading Australian supplier Envirosafe Solutions has products which can safely and effectively replace most traditional aircraft and airport cleaners.

Its range includes the fully biodegradable and non-toxic Extreme Green Insect and Tar Remover. Safe for use on all painted surfaces and plastic and rubber components, it should be applied diluted at 1:10 parts water and left for five minutes before being wiped off with a clean, dry cloth. It makes an economical all-purpose spray and wipe cleaner when diluted at 1:50 parts water.

Research into sustainable technology – including biofuels – and a simple switch to safe, biodegradable eco-products promises a greener future for Australia’s aviation industry.