Relate mining to the environment Rehabilitation Department of Natural Resources and the Environment interests in rehabilitation On any land where Department of Natural Resources and the Environment is the principal land manager, management of the land is continued after mining is completed. A site which has been poorly rehabilitated or abandoned leaves Department of Natural Resources and the Environment a public liability with reduced conservation values, effects on surrounding landscapes and possibly other adverse effects for the community. This is why the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment has an involvement in the approvals and permits processes. The involvement starts with discussion with the proponent, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment and other parties about a work plan or rehabilitation plan. These discussions give Department of Natural Resources and the Environment the opportunity to fully understand what is proposed, and what potential effects may result.
Rehabilitation starts with an assessment of the area before exploration or mining.
A suitable environment may then evolve to support the return of indigenous flora and fauna. The part 'after specific objectives are defined and implemented' refers to how, when and where the on-ground works will be done. The part 'environment may then evolve to support the return of indigenous flora and fauna' raises the idea that while the work done now may stabilise the site and may return some of the trees and shrubs to it, that may not be the real end point. Monitoring of the site should go on for years once the work on the ground has been done with a view to continually improving knowledge and efficiency of rehabilitation. To help in the discussions about work plans , the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment and others from time to time draw up guidelines about, for example, soil management, revegetation, reclaiming tailings dams and pits.