Fortescue removes high-risk rodenticides from operations
Fortescue has removed second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARS) from its operations, in a move to reduce risks to native wildlife, including threatened species such as the Northern Quoll. The change was implemented in August 2025 with Fortescue transitioning to alternative rodent control methods including first generation rodenticides, which break down more quickly in the environment. Rodent management remains a requirement at mining operations to protect infrastructure and the health and safety of personnel. SGARs are known to persist in the environment and can accumulate in animals that consume poisoned rodents, increasing the risk of secondary poisoning in predators and scavengers. Fortescue approvals, communities and services director Rosli Wheelock said the decision was made following internal assessment of environmental risks. “We operate in some of Australia’s most important natural habitats, and we have a responsibility to look after them,” he said. “When we saw these products could put native wildlife at risk, we made the decision to stop using them and have moved to safer alternatives.” Recent studies have identified anticoagulant rodenticides in a range of Australian wildlife species, raising broader concerns about their environmental impact. Edith Cowan University Associate Professor Robert Davis says second-generation rodenticides are highly persistent and can accumulate through the food chain. “Reducing their use where practical can help lower the risk of secondary poisoning for native predators and scavengers,” he said. Fortescue says it will continue to monitor and review rodent management practices as part of its broader environmental management program.
