Mineral Resources’ planned iron ore mine project in the northern Goldfields has been rejected by the Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia.

The agency has recommended that the planned Jackson 5 and Bungalbin East Iron Ore project is environmentally unacceptable.

EPA chairman Paul Vogel said that mining ancient banded iron formation landforms could cause irreversible environmental consequences.

"Mining of these BIF landforms would directly impact significant flora species, as well as result in the loss of critical habitat for these species."

The project, if approved, is also said to disturb around 720 hectares of land to build two open cut pits, waste rock dumps and supporting mine infrastructure

The EPA’s recommendation is open for a two-week public appeal period and the Minister for Environment will take the final decision.