then&now
Brukunga
reborn
Located at Brukunga, South
Australia, around 40 kilometres east of Adelaide in the
Southern Mount Lofty Ranges, this iron sulphide mine
site was in operation from 1955 to 1972. Iron sulphide
is a pyrite mineral, the characterics of which break
down to form acid drainage when exposed to air, water
and bacteria. With waste from this mine stored on site,
nearby Dawesley Creek was affected.
In 1980, eight years after the closure of the
Brukunga mine, the SA State Government kicked
off the rehabilitation of the area. Since then, a water
treatment plant on the site has aided attempts to
reduce acidity and acid run-off. Native grasses and
trees have been planted in shallow imported soil
covering the tailings storage and other areas. The
work is progressive and is slowly working to reduce
the acidity and barrenness of the area.
Work continues on other areas of the former mine
concurrently, including the quarry site.
2007
After many years of
rehabilitation, the site has
undergone several rounds
of planting and treatment.
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