Plant and soil ecology of natural areas and rehabilitated minesites near Eneabba

Summary

The research program describes patterns of vegetation and rock conditions in the vicinity of the heavy mineral sands mining operations of Associated Minerals Consolidated Ltd. at Eneabba, Western Australia.

Patterns in the natural vegetation and correlation with existing soil characteristics established a foundation of ecological knowledge to help ensure that rehabilitation of the mined lands will ultimately produce a self-sustaining ecosystem of a heathland type comparable to the pre-mining condition.

Keywords: heathlands, ecology, rehabilitation, minesites, heavy minerals