Mine Free Glenaladale and members of the community met with Chris Webb, executive director regulatory operations at Resources Victoria, and toured the Gippsland Critical Minerals (GCM) proposed mineral sands Fingerboards mine site on Wednesday, January 15.
Mr Webb outlined the regulatory process and gave an overview of the government’s Critical Minerals Roadmap and the changed Environmental Effects Statement process.
Those attending the tour expressed their frustration with the government and regulators allowing the rescoping of the project. Landholders say they once again have to put future expansion and improvement of their farms on hold indefinitely.
According to Mine Free Glenaladale this has caused distress and anger as landholders are unable to see a clear future for their families.
“The community had thought that once the project had been rejected through the Environmental Effects Statement process and the damning report by Richard Wynne, the former Planning Minister, that that would be the end of the Fingerboards mineral sands project,” a Mine Free Glenaladale spokesperson said.
“After eight years of dealing with Kalbar’s first mine proposal and the frustrating EES process, the community does not need this continuing upheaval, stress and uncertainty in their lives. The community has had enough.”
John Hine, one of the farmers attending the tour, said “The EES process is flawed to allow this mining company to rescope the project, and the regulations governing mining need to be changed”.
“No amount of rescoping will alter the fact that the proposed mine poses a real threat to the agricultural and horticultural industries, human health, biodiversity, the Mitchell and Perry rivers systems, the Gippsland Lakes, cultural heritage and the East Gippsland water supply,” Mr Hine said.
He emphasised his belief that the mining company will not be able to stop the dust.
“The proposal puts at risk 1500 jobs in the Lindenow Valley alone, if produce is contaminated by toxic and radioactive dust,” Mr Hine said.
“The community is still waiting on a statement of reasons why Resources Victoria gave the go ahead for the mine rescoping.”
Gippsland Critical Minerals chief executive officer, Michelle Wood, said Mine Free Glenaladale’s views are based on the old project and a former project team.
“We are not seeing the strength of community opposition that Mine Free Glenaladale claim,” she said.
“Many people understand the unique value of the rare earths and critical minerals on this site and what it can bring to the local economy including jobs.
“We appreciate the interest the government is taking in GCM’s project and the opportunity it has provided to address important issues raised about the old project.
“Every conversation we have is helping shape a better project and I want to thank the time many people have given to share their views and
be a constructive voice. We look forward to more conversations, including through our Community Reference Group.”
