 Solid Energy, whose past mining activities had already significantly reduced the species' habitat, planned to mine the skyline ridge that included Mount Augustus.In May 2005 Solid Energy sought a permit from the New Zealand Department of Conservation to translocate some "Powelliphanta" "Augustus", but they intended to begin mining regardless of whether the permit was granted or not.The Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society obtained a declaration in December 2005 from the High Court requiring Solid Energy to get permission from the Minister of Conservation and the Minister of Energy for the translocation, as well as any transfer of heavy machinery, and any impact on habitat.