Fire ants have spread to five mine sites in Central Queensland’s Bowen Basin, triggering calls for mining companies to cover cleanup costs rather than taxpayers. The discovery comes just six weeks after the invasive pest was first detected at BHP’s Broadmeadow Mine near Moranbah. The National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP) confirmed the ants arrived on pallets of bricks that had been stored on soil and transported more than 800 kilometers from southeast Queensland. Surveillance conducted between August 12-14 identified the new infestations in the Central Highlands and Isaac Council regions. “This is a catastrophic breach – shipments from just … Continue reading Fire Ants Invade 5 Queensland Mines: “Catastrophic Breach” Could Cost Australia $2B Annually if Established