Mining boss rejects Irwin reserve claims

A mining boss has rejected claims that bauxite contributes to unique ecosystems in a Cape York wildlife reserve named after the late Steve Irwin.

University of Queensland Professor Craig Franklin says highly-acidic water springs, believed to be caused by a reaction with bauxite in the area, have created the ecosystems.

Prof Franklin, who was a close friend of the late Crocodile Hunter, says 35 new ecosystems have been recorded on the reserve so far, supporting new species of fish, reptiles and birds.

The Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve - a 135,000-hectare property northeast of Weipa on Cape York Peninsula - has been at the centre of a battle with mining giant Cape Alumina.

Cape Alumina won a court battle to access about 15 per cent of the reserve to conduct environmental studies for possible bauxite mining.

Cape Alumina boss Paul Messenger says there is no scientific data to back up Prof Franklin's views.

"Cape Alumina rejects the statement made by Professor Franklin about the effect the bauxite has on the spring water," Dr Messenger said.

"Hydrological investigations conducted by Cape Alumina to date have found no causal effect or connection between the existence of bauxite in the area and the acidity levels found in the springs.

"Professor Franklin is entitled to express an opinion, but his statements do not appear to be based on any hydrological studies of the area."

The debate is stirring a lot of emotion, with Terri Irwin and Russell Crowe teaming up to lead a push to stop mining in the reserve and almost 150,000 people signing an online petition.

Crowe said on US television that he was standing up for the late conservationist.

Terri Irwin told AAP that Prof Franklin's research showed the area should be protected in perpetuity.

"There are certain criteria that exist to be fulfilled (to lock up the area from development) and this property looks like it will meet the criteria on so many different levels," she said.

But Dr Messenger questioned the professor's classification that the springs were "unique" as ecologists had mapped more than 100 similar springs in the area north of Weipa.

Environmental impact study findings are due to be released early in 2010.