9 May 2008
Xstrata has pledged $3 million over the next three years as part of a groundbreaking partnership model with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help ensure the survival of the northern hairy-nosed wombat species.
The northern hairy-nosed wombat is the second most endangered mammal in Australia, one of the top ten most endangered mammals in the world and currently restricted to one location, Epping Forest National Park in central Queensland.
Xstrata Australia Chairman Peter Coates said the company was proud to play a role in securing a future for one of Australia’s most iconic and endangered species.
"We are pleased to be partnering with the EPA and Queensland Government to establish a safe and sustainable future for the endangered hairy-nosed wombat. Through our financial contribution, the EPA will now have the resources to help prevent these magnificent animals from becoming yet another footnote in our natural history.
"Xstrata aims to make a positive contribution to biodiversity conservation and to the long-term prosperity of the communities and countries in which it operates around the world. We are proud to be involved with such an important initiative. “
The purpose of the wombat breeding program is to relocate a number of wombats from Epping Forest National Park to a new colony at Yarran Downs near St George in southern Queensland.
Currently the entire northern hairy-nosed wombat population lives in one location, placing the species at great risk and highly susceptible to disease, fire, drought, predators or flooding wiping out the population.
Xstrata’s $3 million contribution will be used to establish the new colony and relocate the wombats. Specifically, it will be used to:
- Build a six kilometre electric fence to protect the wombats from predators
- Remove predators from within fenced areas
- Provide water and food stations identical to those the wombat is familiar with at Epping Forest National Park
- Build phone lines and power lines to run lights and equipment
- Supply computers, radio, internet and local area networks
- Establish a camp to house the researchers monitoring wombats after release
- Provide four utility vehicles, maintenance and shed for transfer
- Purchase infrared cameras to monitor wombat movements and genetic profiling equipment using blood and hair analysis, radio telemetry and remote camera
- Ongoing pest and weed management.
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About Xstrata
Xstrata is a global diversified mining group with its headquarters in Zug, Switzerland. Xstrata’s businesses maintain a meaningful position in seven major international commodity markets including copper, coal, nickel and zinc. The Group’s operations and projects span 18 countries and employ approximately 56,000 people, including contractors. The company has a significant presence in Australia, with operations in Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory. The Xstrata Copper commodity business unit is headquartered in Brisbane. Xstrata Coal’s global headquarters are in Sydney.
For further information, please contact:
Fran Rossberg
Rowland
M: 0422 980 120
Sue Sara
Xstrata Copper General Manager Corporate Affairs Queensland
M: 0411 206 090
Northern hairy-nosed wombat vision: This is a short corporate presentation on the northern hairy-nosed wombat, the reintroduction project and partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency.