University of New England botany honours student Tim Collins is studying the population spread of Eucalyptus magnificata, an endangered species only found in three locations in the Northern Tablelands.

The largest concentrated cluster of the blue box eucalyptus, which can reach heights of 15 metres, is found in Hillgrove.

“My work involved mapping and measuring and collecting specimens,” Mr Collins said.

 “From that field work I estimate that there are about 980 individual mature trees of Eucalyptus magnificata, in that Hillgrove-Oxley Wild Rivers area.”

Mr Collins, who is also a member of Armidale Action on Coal Seam Gas and Mining, said his study of the area found a proposed expansion of mining in Hillgrove would significantly disrupt the population.

Last year Bracken Resources submitted a development application to expand antimony mining at Clarks Gully.

The proposal would produce 5000 tonnes of contained antimony and 700 kilograms of gold annually over three to four years. 

Also part of the development is the construction of a haul road, which would transport the ore to Hillgrove facilities for purification.

The route proposed cuts through the second largest known population of Eucalyptus magnificata, and will result in the destruction of eight per cent of the population, or roughly 12 trees.

“The NSW scientific committee looks at rare and endangered species, and have classified Eucalyptus magnificata as an endangered species,” Mr Collins said.

“Under their definition, Eucalyptus magnificata will be extinct in the next 100 years if the existing threats to its survival remain ... land clearing, trampling seedlings by grazing animals and eucalypt dieback. 

“So the construction of the haul road is exactly what has been identified as driving this endangered species to extinction.”

Hillgrove mines environmental and safety manager Daniel Calderwood confirmed there were 12 of the trees expected to be cleared, however, the Clarks Gully expansion was on hold “until international metal prices bounce back”.

Mr Calderwood also said the original haul road design was changed to avoid clearing more than 50 trees and the company had planted more than 150 Eucalyptus magnificata in Hillgrove over the past eight years. 

“So in effect the mine is responsible for a significant proportion of the existing local population in addition to those identified in the study area,” he said.  

The development application is expected to go before councillors for approval in the next three months.