Australia: Prohibit mining to protect spiders

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Western Australia has objected to the exploitation of an iron mine in the Pilbara region to protect a unique and unusual fauna: the schizomid spider. These are blind invertebrates that live underground.

Many new schizomid spiders have been discovered in the area that caught the attention of Robe River Mining Company, of which 5 species have never been known. Small spiders living in this cave are only a few millimeters in size and cannot live when exposed to daylight. They are not equipped to withstand ultraviolet rays.

The Mesa A mine project will bring this fauna to a certain level of extinction and has received an unfavorable petition from the environmental protection agency, although it could bring in millions of dollars.

The above invertebrate has won? However, there is no certainty. The mining company, a subsidiary of giant giant Rio Tinto, will appeal under the law. The application will be submitted to the Minister of the Environment who made the final decision.

However The Australia notes that EPA's recommendations are rarely followed. In December 2006, the exploitation of a natural gas field on the island of Barrow, located in a nature reserve was allowed by the Australian government even though the EPA made a rebuttal petition.