ABSTRACT

The Australian beef cattle industry is one of the most efficient and ranks third largest in beef export in the world, contributing 4" of beef supply. The main goal of the mine rehabilitation plan is to ensure that while the site is left safe, stable, and nonpolluting, the landscape can be put to optimal use post mining and closure. This chapter provides a summary of the research undertaken by the team from Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, University of Queensland. This 2-year project officially commenced in February 2000, and consisted of three grazing trials established at Goonyella Riverside, Norwich Park, and Blackwater mines on sites that varied in soil type and age since establishment. The role of tropical and temperate, exotic and native pasture species and organic amendments to restore the rehabilitated mine land for sustainable environment and profitable beef cattle production is worth exploring.