Mining in Ecologically Sensitive Landscapes

Mining in Ecologically Sensitive Landscapes explores the interface between geology and botany, and mining and conservation. Many areas of unusual geology that contain ore-bearing bodies also support unique ecological communities of plants and animals. Increasing demand to exploit rich mineral deposits can lead to a conflict between mining and conservation interests in such landscapes.

This book brings together experts in the field of mining and conservation to grapple with this pressing issue and to work toward a positive outcome for all. Chapters are grouped into four themes: Introduction, Concepts and Challenges; Endemism in Ironstone Geosystems; Progress in Bauxite Mining; and Ways Forward.

The book focuses on natural and semi-natural ecosystems, where landscape beauty, biodiversity and conservation value are at their highest measure and the mineral wealth they contain can bring affluence of regional or even national importance. Examples of conflicts ranging from threatened floristic endemics to human ecology are included, from Africa, the Americas and Australasia.

Mining in Ecologically Sensitive Landscapes is an important reference for environmental managers, NGOs, restoration ecologists, academics, undergraduate and postgraduate students of ecology and environmental studies, conservation biologists, as well as mine managers, mining environmental specialists, consultants, regulators and relevant government departments.

Professor Mark Tibbett is a plant and soil scientist with over 25 years' experience in research and teaching. He specialises in element cycling and plant-microbe-soil interactions with particular interest in soil microbial ecology, mycorrhiza and the rhizosphere. Having completed postdoctoral, academic and industry appointments in the UK, he spent 10 years in Australia at CSIRO Land & Water and as the director of the Centre for Land Rehabilitation at the University of Western Australia. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed scholarly articles, is the Co Editor-in-Chief of the international journal Soil Research as well as being an associate editor of the Australian Journal of Botany and Restoration Ecology. He was an instigator and remains a co-chair of the global 'Mine Closure' series of conferences. Having worked across the globe for governments, industry and the university sector he is currently Professor of Soil Ecology at the University of Reading, UK.