20 October
2006 - “I am satisfied that the proposed changes
to the mine will not have a significant impact
on matters of national environmental significance,”
Senator Campbell said.
The McArthur River zinc, lead
and silver mine and processing operation is located
approximately 1000km south-east of Darwin. The
proposed changes will see the mine shift from
using underground to open cut methods of mining.
Approvals under the Environment
Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
(EPBC Act) are required to consider impacts of
development activity on matters of national environmental
significance.
McArthur River mine needed approval
under the Act because it was thought to have a
potential impact on two matters on national environment
significance: the threatened Freshwater Sawfish
and several species of migratory birds.
Senator Campbell said that Xstrata
is required to ensure ongoing protection of these
matters by adhering to the following conditions:
• implement a Freshwater Sawfish
management and monitoring plan;
• put in place a monitoring programme to assess
the impact of metal pollution at Bing Bong Port
on listed migratory birds; and
• undertake an independent compliance audit to
ensure that the above conditions have been met.
Senator Campbell’s approval
follows a rigorous environmental assessment of
the mine and its possible impacts undertaken on
behalf of both governments by the Northern Territory
Government.
Northern Territory Government
approval for the mine was given on 13 October
2006 on the basis that the environmental effects
associated with the expansion and day to day operations
of the mine are acceptable.
“This decision demonstrates
anew that environment protection can be balanced
with economic well-being, and is a win for Territorians
and for all Australians,” Senator Campbell said.
Rob Broadfield
