Indigenous forest livelihoods and bauxite mining: A case-study from northern Australia

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Indigenous Studies
• Mining Engineering

Background:

• Bauxite mining operations frequently occur on Indigenous-owned lands, particularly in tropical regions like northern Australia.
• These operations lead to significant environmental impacts, including native vegetation clearing and loss of access to traditional resources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review mine rehabilitation in the Western Cape York Peninsula bauxite mining region.
• To present Indigenous peoples' expectations for pre- and post-mining forest and landscape management.
• To discuss implications for mine completion criteria, closure, and relinquishment.

Main Methods:

• Case study analysis of the Western Cape York Peninsula bauxite mining region.
• Review of mine rehabilitation and Indigenous forest livelihoods initiatives.
• Analysis of Indigenous peoples' expectations for forest and landscape management.

Main Results:

• Indigenous peoples' expectations are often not adequately addressed in mine clearing or completion criteria.
• There is limited guidance on monitoring Indigenous outcomes for mine closure.
• An integrated mining-community forestry vision is proposed.

Conclusions:

• Full and transparent free, prior, and informed consent from Indigenous peoples is essential for mine closure planning.
• Further research is needed to develop and assess mine completion criteria linked to biocultural restoration and Indigenous livelihoods.
• Findings can inform policymakers, regulators, and industry on improving environmental and socio-cultural benefits for affected Indigenous communities.