It is reported that Australia ‘s state government has rejected the advice of its own environmental watchdog by giving the green light to iron ore mining at a biodiversity hotspot in the Mid West, sparking accusations it is putting Chinese mining interests ahead of the environment.

As per report Ms Donna Faragher environment minister approved two iron ore mining proposals by Karara Mining AUD 1.8 billion joint venture between WA’s Gindalbie Metals and China’s Ansteel group.

The move overrode an Environmental Protection Authority recommendation that mining not be permitted in the area surrounding Mungada Ridge part of the Blue Hills Range 225 kilometer east of Geraldton because of its unique and vulnerable ecosystem.

The EPA assessment said that mining posed a risk of species extinctions on the Mungada Ridge and the neighboring Terapod iron formation and recommended that the site be a class-A conservation reserve.

But Ms Faragher overturned the advice after Karara pledged to conserve 995 hectare at the ridge’s eastern end. She granted permission to mine the Terapod deposit, accepting Karara’s appeal that it was geologically distinct from Mungada Ridge.

Conservation Council of WA director Piers Verstegen said the decision was a clear indication the Barnett Government was willing to override our own environmental watchdog in the interests of foreign investors.”

Shadow environment minister Sally Talbot accused Premier Colin Barnett of applying Cabinet pressure to fast track mining approvals for Chinese firms, after his comments this week that Chinese investment should be encouraged. Ms Faragher said the eastern portion of Mungada Ridge would become the region’s first conservation reserve and she was confident it was big enough to protect endemic species.

(Sourced from thewest.com.au)