MEDIA RELEASE
DATE: 11th February, 2012
Over 120 people attended a public meeting in the small central tablelands village community of Lue, east of Mudgee on Saturday 11th February in response to growing concerns over a proposed major open-cut silver mine to be operated by Kingsgate Consolidated less than 3 kilometres from the village and school.
Called by the recently formed Lue Action Group (LAg), the meeting’s purpose was to exchange information with community members and listen to any concerns. LAg chairperson, Brett Farrow, was encouraged by the high level of community interest and involvement. “This turnout indicates that there is a strong and growing voice of concern over the possible impacts of this mine upon our lives in this place.”
Also attended by Mid-Western Regional Council Mayor Des Kennedy and three other Councillors, various speakers gave an indication of the possible impacts of the mine on the environment and health of the community. Amongst many matters raised, there was particular concern regarding dust and lead. Kingsgate’s consultants indicate that the prevailing wind in the mine location is from the NE, and one speaker pointed out that the wind and valley therefore will direct dust over the village.
Chris Pavich, former NPWS Ranger, warned the meeting that the impacts might be far wider. “The people of Rylstone and Kandos need to also be brought into this, because on those days with driving hot, dry, north-westerly winds, no amount of dust control will stop this dust from being deposited on the 3000 or so homes downwind.”
The impact of mines on the viability and future of village communities was discussed in the light of local experiences in Ulan, Wollar and Bylong. Mid-Western Regional Councillor Elwyn Lang indicated sadness that he would next weekend be attending the “Wollar Wake” and asked the meeting if they would like to be attending such an event in Lue in coming years. “Ulan and Wollar are gone, and Bylong could be on the way. Will Lue be next?”
The Mayor and others expressed disappointment that Kingsgate declined an invitation to attend the meeting and provide information. In a radio interview with Central West ABC on the 2nd February, Kingsgate CEO Gavin Thomas acknowledged the importance of community consultation. “We understand that mining is intrusive into the community, and we are different, we act differently, and it is up to us to show the community we can work with them.”
Brett Farrow is dismayed at the level of information and consultation. “They say that it is their responsibility to convince the community that our lifestyle will not be greatly impacted, and yet when given the opportunity to meet with a significant cross-section of the community they are unwilling to attend.”
MEDIA CONTACTS
Chris Plummer 63791921
Brett Farrow: Phone 63736396 or 0458 562170
NOTES
The Lue Action Group (L.Ag) is a subcommittee of Bingman Landcare Group to support the community through researching the issues related to this proposal, and to advocate on the community’s behalf to halt this mine.
Kingsgate Bowdens Pty Ltd purchased the exploration rights for this potential mine in late 2011, and are seeking to obtain approvals for development in 2012 with large-scale site works proposed to commence in early 2013. The mine site is located less than three kilometres from Lue village and school. Plant and staff are scheduled from late January to conduct further significant exploratory drilling operations over the next four months. This open-cut mine is proposed to be one square kilometre in area, and at least 200m deep, with the possibility of being extended beyond this area. Spoil areas, large tailings dams and the on-site processing mill will see the footprint of the mine significantly greater than the size of the actual pit.
For any further background information contact:
Graeme Gardiner, Media Officer, L.Ag, 6373 6371 or 0428 757369
DATE: 11th February, 2012
Over 120 people attended a public meeting in the small central tablelands village community of Lue, east of Mudgee on Saturday 11th February in response to growing concerns over a proposed major open-cut silver mine to be operated by Kingsgate Consolidated less than 3 kilometres from the village and school.
Called by the recently formed Lue Action Group (LAg), the meeting’s purpose was to exchange information with community members and listen to any concerns. LAg chairperson, Brett Farrow, was encouraged by the high level of community interest and involvement. “This turnout indicates that there is a strong and growing voice of concern over the possible impacts of this mine upon our lives in this place.”
Also attended by Mid-Western Regional Council Mayor Des Kennedy and three other Councillors, various speakers gave an indication of the possible impacts of the mine on the environment and health of the community. Amongst many matters raised, there was particular concern regarding dust and lead. Kingsgate’s consultants indicate that the prevailing wind in the mine location is from the NE, and one speaker pointed out that the wind and valley therefore will direct dust over the village.
Chris Pavich, former NPWS Ranger, warned the meeting that the impacts might be far wider. “The people of Rylstone and Kandos need to also be brought into this, because on those days with driving hot, dry, north-westerly winds, no amount of dust control will stop this dust from being deposited on the 3000 or so homes downwind.”
The impact of mines on the viability and future of village communities was discussed in the light of local experiences in Ulan, Wollar and Bylong. Mid-Western Regional Councillor Elwyn Lang indicated sadness that he would next weekend be attending the “Wollar Wake” and asked the meeting if they would like to be attending such an event in Lue in coming years. “Ulan and Wollar are gone, and Bylong could be on the way. Will Lue be next?”
The Mayor and others expressed disappointment that Kingsgate declined an invitation to attend the meeting and provide information. In a radio interview with Central West ABC on the 2nd February, Kingsgate CEO Gavin Thomas acknowledged the importance of community consultation. “We understand that mining is intrusive into the community, and we are different, we act differently, and it is up to us to show the community we can work with them.”
Brett Farrow is dismayed at the level of information and consultation. “They say that it is their responsibility to convince the community that our lifestyle will not be greatly impacted, and yet when given the opportunity to meet with a significant cross-section of the community they are unwilling to attend.”
MEDIA CONTACTS
Chris Plummer 63791921
Brett Farrow: Phone 63736396 or 0458 562170
NOTES
The Lue Action Group (L.Ag) is a subcommittee of Bingman Landcare Group to support the community through researching the issues related to this proposal, and to advocate on the community’s behalf to halt this mine.
Kingsgate Bowdens Pty Ltd purchased the exploration rights for this potential mine in late 2011, and are seeking to obtain approvals for development in 2012 with large-scale site works proposed to commence in early 2013. The mine site is located less than three kilometres from Lue village and school. Plant and staff are scheduled from late January to conduct further significant exploratory drilling operations over the next four months. This open-cut mine is proposed to be one square kilometre in area, and at least 200m deep, with the possibility of being extended beyond this area. Spoil areas, large tailings dams and the on-site processing mill will see the footprint of the mine significantly greater than the size of the actual pit.
For any further background information contact:
Graeme Gardiner, Media Officer, L.Ag, 6373 6371 or 0428 757369
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