Modeling the impact of revegetation on regional water quality: A collective approach to manage the cumulative impacts of mining in the Bowen Basin, Australia

• Published in: Resources policy 2013-12, Vol.38 (4), p.670-677
• Main Authors: Sonter, L.J., Moran, C.J., Barrett, D.J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Australia; Beyond compliance; Bowen Basin; Coal; Coal mines; Coal mining; Cumulative effects assessment and management (CEAM); Investment; Investments; Landscapes; Mining; Policies; Regional; Revegetation; Sediment; Stakeholder; Water quality
• ISSN: 0301-4207; 1873-7641
• DOI: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2013.02.007

In this paper we quantify the additional water quality benefits that can be achieved through coordinated cumulative impact management. To do this we simulate coordinated and un-coordinated revegetation investments and compare their impact on achieving regional water quality goals. Our results show that coordination between multiple mining companies achieves additional benefits since prioritization is enabled across a broader range of investment opportunities. Additionally, when coordinated investment is permitted beyond the boundaries of coal mining leases, results show that additional benefits are greatly enhanced since these regions provide more rewarding investment opportunities. Results illustrate (a) how regional coordination may influence reputational benefits of investments, and (b) that coordination is beneficial when investment opportunities are unevenly distributed across the landscape. When additional benefits are achievable, we suggest that mining companies should develop collective investment projects with an understanding of how coordination influences project costs. Similarly, investment projects should be developed with an understanding of investment tradeoffs and how these may adversely impact on regional stakeholders and hence industry reputation. The mining industry has significant potential to contribute to regional wellbeing; however, land management policies must be flexible and promote incentives to enable companies to invest beyond compliance. ► We modeled the benefit of revegetation investment strategies on water quality. ► We compared the benefit obtained with coordinated and un-coordinated investment. ► Coordinated investment between multiple companies achieved additional benefits. ► Coordinated investment beyond mining leases achieved further additional benefits.