MEDIA RELEASE
DATE: 2nd February, 2012


A mining company intent on establishing a major open-cut silver mine close to a central tablelands village has chosen not to attend a meeting of the community called to discuss the proposed project.

Personally invited by Lue Action Group, Dr Simon McDonald of Kingsgate Consolidated, has written to the group saying “the company feels that the broader Lue community is not best served by the company entering into dialogue with a group whose primary aim... is to “Stop the Mine”.”

Brett Farrow, President of the newly formed Lue Action Group, expressed great disappointment that the company which had previously expressed a verbal commitment to community consultation was not prepared to talk in this forum with local people.

“Certainly the aim of our group is to halt a mine which threatens the wellbeing and lifestyle of our community, however, this is an open meeting to which all community members are invited, whatever their feelings about the mine. If this is an indication of the company’s commitment to consultation and open dialogue, then we have serious concerns.”

“Lue Action Group is a sub-committee of Bingman Landcare Group, a longstanding group within our local community serving the interests of the people. If they will not consult with us, what does that indicate?”

“While Kingsgate may soon establish a community liaison committee as required by state legislation, it is troubling that they only seem to wish to consult on their terms, when they are in total control of the flow of information.”

The group has also extended invitations to local councillors and politicians to attend the meeting which will be held in Lue Community Hall at 10am on the 11th February. Mid-Western Regional Council Mayor Des Kennedy has indicated he plans to be present.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Brett Farrow: Phone 63736396 or 0458 562170
Graeme Gardiner: Phone 63736371 or 0428 757369

NOTES

Media are welcome at this event. Members of the Lue Action Group will be available for interview following the meeting.

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