A proposal by Grange Resources to raise the existing Mains Creek tailings dam wall at Savage River Iron Ore Mine in Tasmania can go ahead without further environmental assessment.

Environment Minister Tony Burke said the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities has closely considered the proposal and found the action was not likely to impact on threatened species or other matters protected under national environment law.

"Mining has been occurring at this site in Savage River for decades,'' he said.

"Raising the dam wall will not impact on threatened species. Adequately containing tailings is important in protecting the downstream environment.

"I have a number of proposals in the Tarkine region coming before me and each of those decisions will be made on its individual merits.

"I will also carefully consider the cumulative impacts of multiple developments. These are decisions I take with great care.

"Any decision I make will be based on whether the new activities will impact on the nationally protected environment and each decision will be based on careful consideration of the science."

More details of the Grange Resources Savage River Tailings Dam Wall Raise project can be found at www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=current_referral_detail&proposal_id=6226