In Situ Adaptation to Climatic Change: Mineral Industry Responses to Extreme Flooding Events in Queensland, Australia

Abstract

Extractive resource development necessitates a direct and immediate dependence upon the environment and is particularly sensitive to climate variability and change. This article examines adaptation to climatic changes within the mining industry through a case study of extreme flooding events during 2007–2008 and 2010–2011 in Queensland, Australia. With 47 of the state's 57 coal mines impacted by the 2010–2011 floods, vast infrastructure damage, lost export earnings of more than $2 billion, and consequent impacts on surrounding socioeconomic and ecological landscapes, the case demonstrates the industry's vulnerability to climatic changes and the importance of planned adaptation for its future viability. As mineral resources are embedded within the landscape, adaptation must necessarily be in situ. The article draws lessons from the case to better inform sector-wide strategies for in situ adaptation. The findings are relevant to other industry sectors, such as tourism and forestry, where geographical relocation is not an available adaptation strategy.