Toxic metal hunt at proposed site

THERE will be plenty of hoops to jump through for mining company Anchor Resources before a proposed antimony mine is approved at the headwaters of the Nymboida River.

An antimony mine would have the potential to contaminate the Clarence Valley’s water supply through the leaching of the toxic metal into the Shannon Creek Dam via the Nymboida River.

Anchor Resources is exploring the area on the Dorrigo Plateau near Wild Cattle Creek for antimony – which is used in alloys and with similar health affects on people as arsenic – with a view to starting to mine later this year.

Realising there was a high level of concern among his constituents, Clarence MP Steve Cansdell approached State Energy and Resources Minister Chris Hartcher about the proposed mine.

Mr Hartcher said the government realised the public concern about antimony mines, but Anchor Resources was only in an exploration phase.

“Under no circumstances will the government allow our water systems to be compromised,” he said.

“An exploration licence allows a company to undertake exploration, environmental assessments and feasibility studies only.”

Before any mine was opened strict guidelines had to be adhered to.

“Any future mining proposal would be required to obtain development consent through the relevant consent authority,”

Mr Hartcher said. “As part of this process, proponents are required to prepare and submit a comprehensive environmental assessment that assesses all potential impacts of the proposal, including potential impacts on aquifers and water resources as well as cumulative impacts.”

Planning approval rests with the State Government until its plan to scrap Part 3A of the Planning Act is legislated.

Then it would be up to individual councils to sign off on any approval for the proposed mine.

“Local communities and councils are fully involved in the process, with planning approvals going out for public consultation,” Mr Hartcher said.

State Planning Minister Brad Hazzard said there was a moratorium on any new 3A planning projects.

That effectively blocked Anchor Resources from applying for approval for the mine until Part 3A of the planning act was legislated.