But it is not only environmental investigations that can lead to a delay in or reappraisal of a mining project. Aboriginal rights negotiations often take much longer than environmental assessments and can have a profound effect on the outcome of a project. Problems of native title delayed the start-up of Hamersley's Marandoo mine-an area of the park covering mining lease was excised by the WA Parliament on the understanding that it will eventually be rehabilitate, according to Stoddart. He confirms that assessment for Hamersley's proposed mine at Yandicoogina, known as Yandera, requires Consultative Environmental Review by the EPA, and this is likely to take around six months. In the case of the Hope Downs iron ore deposits in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, a preliminary study by Hancock Prospecting of Perth highlighted areas for detailed investigation such as those where there would be major environmental impact from the proposed development and other areas of major conservation value or ecological sensitivity.
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