Massive bauxite deposits spark fear of open cut mining

THE POSSIBILITY of open cut mining of bauxite in the north-eastern parts of Upper Lachlan Shire could pose problems for landholders in the area, and Council should prepare for such a situation.

At last week’s Council meeting Council Cr. Malcolm Barlow gave notice of motion that a development control plan for open cut mining be prepared.

This will be debated at the April meeting.

Cr. Barlow told last week’s meeting that the prospecting company had claimed to have discovered possibly the third or fourth richest bauxite deposit in the world in a line stretching from Taralga to beyond Binda.

“This mining project could be a great economic boost to the Shire through its potential to create many long-term and well-paid jobs and through its potential to pay income to participating landholders,” Cr. Barlow said.

“However,” he added, “it also poses long-term agricultural viability of some lands in the shire, and unless properly controlled could negatively impact upon some of our infrastructure such as roads and water systems.

“It could be great, it could be disastrous.

“It is up to us to show some leadership and set some parameters which we think are in the best interests of our Shire and our people.”

Cr. Barlow said the company had estimated there is 25 to 30 million tonnes of the highest grade ore available to be transported to Goulburn and then railed on to Port Kembla for export.

General Manager Mr. John Bell said the company was considering either road transport of the ore, or piping as “slurry” to Goulburn rail head.

Cr. Barlow said high grade deposits 30 metres deep had been located under only a metre or so of top soil.

Mining on properties with the owner’s consent presented no problems, but Council should have a policy in the case of non-consensual landowners.

Another problem was the rehabilitation of such open cut mining area.

“Digging 30 metres or more over areas of 30 to 50 acres or more will create giant pits that cannot then be merely refilled and expected to re-develop into productive and scenic farmlands is another matter entirely,” Cr. Barlow said.