14 SEPTEMBER 2011Australian Mining
Rio Tinto's Cape York development may be hindered
Edited by : AL CIRCLE
1 min read
A crab the size of a ten cent piece might stop the development of mining giant Rio Tinto’s $900 million Cape York bauxite mine.
Scientists employed by Rio to undertake an environmental analysis of the north Queensland site have found what is thought to be a new freshwater crab species.
The findings have prompted conservationists to call on federal Environment Minister Tony Burke to immediately halt the project.
The Wilderness Society’s Glenn Walker told news.com.au the crab species would be under threat if the project’s proposed 30,000ha bush clearing went ahead.
He said the mine development also risked destroying a river in the area.
Walker said while Rio wanted to go ahead with the mine its developments should be put on hold until a proper environmental analysis was complete.
Rio said the crustaceans were unlikely to be significantly impacted by its mining developments but it was now up to the State and Federal governments to asses the study’s findings.
Scientists employed by Rio to undertake an environmental analysis of the north Queensland site have found what is thought to be a new freshwater crab species.
The findings have prompted conservationists to call on federal Environment Minister Tony Burke to immediately halt the project.
The Wilderness Society’s Glenn Walker told news.com.au the crab species would be under threat if the project’s proposed 30,000ha bush clearing went ahead.
He said the mine development also risked destroying a river in the area.
Walker said while Rio wanted to go ahead with the mine its developments should be put on hold until a proper environmental analysis was complete.
Rio said the crustaceans were unlikely to be significantly impacted by its mining developments but it was now up to the State and Federal governments to asses the study’s findings.
Previous article
New Mines Bill to be tabled in Parliament in winter session
Next articleRising Bauxite prices not to affect Alcoa projects - Chairman & CEO
Grow with
AL Circle
