Arid Recovery and BHP partnership program

Established in 1997, Arid Recovery is a non-profit conservation organisation supported by BHP, the South Australia Department for Environment and Water, the University of Adelaide, and Bush Heritage Australia. The 123 km² fenced reserve is located on the Olympic Dam Special Mining Lease and adjacent BHP pastoral leases.

Six regionally extinct threatened species have been reintroduced to the reserve and a further three are protected. The reserve’s innovative design, combining predator free zones with experimental areas where feral cats and rabbits remain, enables world-leading research on species reintroductions, predator management, climate drivers and prey naivety. Strategic collaborations amplify this impact, including co-design of projects with Aboriginal peoples, government investment, and partnerships with more than 80 institutions. Innovations pioneered at Arid Recovery, including the Felixer and floppy-top fence, are now adopted nationally.

With strong commitments to STEM, gender equity, and training future scientists, Arid Recovery exemplifies nature-based solutions, Indigenous engagement and long-term conservation leadership.