Eastern Australia’s climate is characterised by erratic rainfall and periods of drought and flooding. Future climatic scenarios have projected that this (semi)arid area will be facing even less rainfall and increasing intensity and frequency of drought events, due to both natural variability and anthropogenically induced climate change. Water availability is a crucial factor dictating the success of mined land rehabilitation. The climate variability, thus, creates challenges to such mining activity. Yet, so far, climate risk assessment has not been incorporated into rehabilitation plans for post-mining landscapes.

This research aims to compare the perceived risk of ecosystem rehabilitation failure due to drought events across Eastern Australia with the actual risk based on statistical drought analysis. The study will identify the understanding and preparedness of the mining industry regarding climate variability risks and mitigation strategies to prevent rehabilitation failure. The main objectives are (1) to assess the actual drought risk on mined land rehabilitation; (2) to investigate the industry’s perception of drought risks on the success of rehabilitation; (3) to compare the actual and perceived drought risks; and (4) to understand factors contributing to the difference (if any) and generate implications for climate variability adaptation. An industry survey will be conducted to acquire and compare perceived and actual risk variables. The study is expected to produce a final map showing the difference between the actual and perceived drought risks on rehabilitation across the study area and the possible adaptation strategies. This study will be completed by August.