From our Ore to Your Door - Episode 6 - Mining Pit Development

With exploration, drilling and planning complete, it’s time to start mining.

First, surveyors stake out the boundary of the area to be mined. A clearing permit verifies that the area to be mined is within the active lease, has
been cleared by the local Land Council, and has the correct government permit to be mined. Now the pit development can begin.

To get our large machinery to the site, trees and vegetation must be cleared. As part of this process, a wildlife expert carefully assesses the area for habitats and attempts to relocate any wildlife or nests that are present. Even after the initial relocation of wildlife, the wildlife expert remains onsite to continue monitoring for animals while the trees and scrub are removed.


With a clear area now available, scrapers remove topsoil and subsoil from the mining area. QMAG’s preference is to return topsoil and subsoil directly to areas previously mined to maximise rehabilitation success. When this is not possible, topsoil is stockpiled next to the pit so it can easily be recovered and spread once mining is complete and the void refilled. Subsoil is sometimes used to create levees around the pit to protect the excavations from flooding.


In the final step of our mining pit development, dozers, scrapers or excavators remove overburden and low-grade magnesite. With one eye always on rehabilitation and sustainability, this material is immediately placed directly into a prior excavation whenever possible. When this is not possible, the overburden is stockpiled temporarily until it can be used to fill in a nearby mining void.

Black Necked Stork

Fauna and Flora at QMag's mine site with Dr John McGrath Part 4

Read more

New entity under the Refratechnik umbrella!

We are thrilled to announce a fantastic achievement for QMAG!

Read more

Our Women in Mining Awards Finalist - Leticia Shields

Supporting our Women in Mining Awards finalist, Leticia Shields, at the annual Award ceremony in Brisbane.

Read more

Welcome Belinda Housman!

Belinda joined QMAG in December 2023 as the HR Superintendent and has over 25 years experience working in the operational and strategic human resources space.

Read more

Congratulations Bou Toloi!

Bou recently started her new role with the procurement team at Parkhurst.

Read more

Welcome Donna Sanders!

Donna recently started with QMAG, as our Human Resources Administration Officer.

Read more

Any remaining questions?

Just get in touch using the contact form and we’ll get back to you
as soon as we can.