The Ebenezer Mining Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of IAR and is located approximately 55 km southwest of Brisbane. Mining operations ceased in 2002, with the mine closing in September 2003.
Upon completion of the mining activities at this site, IAR as part of its rigorous environmental commitment undertook to establish a hardwood plantation as a means of rehabilitation. The initial Ebenezer trial of hardwood tree plantings is distinctive, as mined land has been traditionally rehabilitated with grass species. In addition, the challenging soils and climate (limited rainfall) make this a marginal site for successful afforestation. However, through applying sound silvicultural techniques and careful speices selection the Ebenezer plantings now constitute approximately 150 ha of well stocked stands. After considerable commitment, research, and expertise by many, a successful hardwood plantation has been established at the former mine site.
Plantings were untaken in a number of stages and in association with a number of Queensland government departments.
Trial Plantings - various tree species were trialled for optimum species selection and growth rates in small plantings, pre 2002.
- Stage 1 - (approx 116.9 ha) plantings were undertaken in April 2002 and included spotted gum, grey ironbark, grey gum and gum topped box.
- Stage 2 - (approx 59.8 ha) plantings were undertaken in May 2004 and included spotted gum, grey ironbark, chinchilla white gum, grey gum and gum topped box.
The site continues to actively participate in forestry research and development programs through data collection and performance monitoring of both trees and soils.
