No Mining in South Grafton, New South Wales, Australia | Community organisation

No Mining

Locality: South Grafton, New South Wales, Australia

Address: Skinner Street 2460 South Grafton, NSW, Australia

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25.01.2022 We thank you for joining the good cause 10,000 signatures what an excellent effort..... more to come. This campaign is powering ahead NO TO TOXIC OPEN CUT MINES IN THE CLARENCE CATCHMENT

24.01.2022 Clarence Catchment Alliance (CCA) protecting the Upper Clarence River and Mann River from invasive copper mining

23.01.2022 The Independent suggested that mining in the river’s catchment could present a threat as ecologically and economically devastating as diverting the river and asked: Perhaps the issue could be raised if a councillor chose to lodge a Notice of Motion (NOM) at a future council meeting?

23.01.2022 Darrin Blanch has taken many photos of Newton Boyd River in the Dalmorton area of the Clarence Valley ... Thanks for sharing and showing how beautiful this part of NSW's is.

22.01.2022 Such an eye sore Clarence Valley Mountains could look like this if copper /cobalt is approved at any time in the future. Someone may say when ! Well how long is a piece of string. There is one thing that is certain an Exploratory License has been granted to CZN so they will be drilling Mount Gilmore. The mountain is west X 49kms from Grafton out behind Copmanhurst and beside the popular tourist destination "The Gorge" which is also near the confluence of the Upper Clarence River and Mann River below Carnham Road

21.01.2022 Tuesday 23 April 2019 news from last year

21.01.2022 ELA 6060 EXPLORATION LICENCE APPLICATION Notice is given in accordance with Section 13A of the Mining Act 1992 and Clause 15 of the Mining Regulation 2016 that Exploration Licence Application ELA 6060 for Group 1 (metallic minerals) has been lodged with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment by CHRISTOPHER WILSON INVESTMENTS PTY LTD, ACN: 108968314, over an area of 67 units (approximately 198 square kilometres) which is located approximately 10 kilometres North West of the town of Coffs Harbor, as shown on the diagram below. Information regarding this application can be obtained from Mart Rampe, phone number (02) 4647....

20.01.2022 This photo was taken just near the confluence of the Mann River. The group Clarence Catchment Alliance was formed in the first quarter of 2019. The group CCA have information tables set up at markets and are now fast approaching the 10,000 signatures on the petitions. There are also shops in Yamba Maclean and Grafton with the forms on the counters. Please help by signing. Community can do a huge part this way in stopping TOXIC COPPER MINES in the Clarence Catchment

19.01.2022 We’ll be organising a petition table again in the coming weeks...NO MINING IN THE CLARENCE VALLEY!

18.01.2022 Positive thinking John Edward, Enviro Center Sth Grafton Mr Edwards & the two volunteer manned groups he represents believe >>Mining leases need to be re-mapped across the whole of Australia to identify sensitive areas,drinking water catchments, heritage sites and places of environmental and social significance& also to declare them OFF LIMITS

17.01.2022 We,ll be at the Twighlight Markets tomorrow from 3.30 pm with the petitions. 10,000 signatures are required. What a great effort Clarence Valley. Signs and stickers are available at the table.

17.01.2022 I have seen them in the Mann River & the Gorge ! Who else has seen platypus in the Clarence Catchment ?

16.01.2022 An historic day for the Clarence Valley Catchment.

16.01.2022 Next week's council meeting has Mining in the Clarence on the agenda! ITEM 6a.20.049 MINING IN THE CLARENCE VALLEY Meeting Council 24 November 2020 Directora...te Environment, Planning & Community Reviewed by General Manager - Ashley Lindsay Attachment Yes SUMMARY Council is receiving increasing numbers of requests from various individuals and groups on its view regarding a number of mining exploration proposals in the Clarence Valley and particularly concerns about the impacts on the Clarence River system if they move to production. At present Council has no official view on mining in the Clarence. There are three companies who appear to be advanced in exploration activities with some potential to go to mine production in the near future being Corazon at Gordon Brook around a promising copper-cobalt-gold resource; Castillo based mainly around copper at Cangai (around the old Cangai copper mine); and by the Sons of Bavaria around the Ewingar/Drake area looking for copper/gold. The flurry of exploration has its origin in the demand for the move to greenhouse reducing technologies around battery, electric motors, solar and wind turbine production which use a lot of copper and also some cobalt in batteries. An additional exploration application for gold and silver has also been made by Wilson Investments Pty Ltd around Coramba/Nana Glen and an area 25 kilometres south west of Grafton shown on the attached letter from Clarence Environment Centre. It is understood this application is motivated by high gold prices due to the COVID driven recession. OFFICER RECOMMENDATION That Council invite: 1. The Department of NSW Resources and Geoscience to address Council to overview the present mining exploration licences in the Clarence Valley - an update on the likely resources, the approval process (including EIS) and any role for Council and likely potential of these to move to full scale production; and also discuss implications of any mining licence applications in the drinking water catchment. 2. A representative of Corazon, Castillo, Wilson Investments Pty Ltd and Sons of Bavaria to address Council on their current activities, whether they see the potential for full scale production, and if so what would be their environmental safe guards, the economic impacts (including jobs) and infrastructure impacts (roads). LINKAGE TO OUR COMMUNITY PLAN Theme 4 Environment Objective 4.2 We will foster a balance between development and the environment considering climate change impacts Strategy 4.1.1 Manage our coastal zone, waterways, catchments and floodplains in an ecologically sustainable manner BACKGROUND The Clarence Valley has a long history of mining in its catchments starting in the 1840’s with the discovery of gold at Timbarra (McLeods Creek) east of Tenterfield and then mines at Drake, Tooloom, Lionsville Solferino, Jackadgery, Dalmorton, Diggers Camp, Minnie Water, Glenreagh and Coramba (Bucca Creek). Most of these, with the exception of alluvial gold in the Tooloom area and open cut at Drake (Mt Carrington), were small underground mines of very limited duration and mostly limited profitability (see Forgotten Country - The Story of the Upper Clarence Gold Fields Isabel Wilkinson). Most of these short lived once thriving communities, many had peak populations above 4,000 people at the peak of the gold rush, have now disappeared completely and a few have survived as much smaller villages. One of the most talked about mines was the open cut Baryulgil asbestos mine and its eventual tragic health impact on the mainly local Aboriginal workers. The mine was operated from 1944-1976 by James Hardie. There is a report on the 11 August in the Northern Star that the moth balled Mt Carrington open cut gold mine is being re-looked at as gold prices (due to the COVID recession) may make it feasible to operate again. The other historical mines of significance was the Cangai copper mine which operated from 1904-1917 (the present Castillo exploration area) and an underground coal mine at Nymboida from 1909-1975. The most recent significant mine to operate was the controversial open cut gold mine at Timbarra (Tenterfield Council) which was developed in the late 1990’s and operated for a period of 6 months before closing down. Before closure there was two reported incidents with its cyanide ponds (cyanide was used to extract gold) overflowing in high rainfall events - in 2006 the site was rehabilitated at a high standard by Barrick Gold. The mine while operating was subject to ongoing protests with up to 100 arrested at various times and numerous Land and Environment Court actions. There was also a proposal for an antimony mine at Paddys Flat near Dorrigo in 2011 by Anchor Resources but seems this has not progressed further. This mine would have been in the Nymboida water catchment area. The impacts of these mines on catchment health is largely unknown as little monitoring was carried out, except for Timbarra where it would seem the cyanide ponds overflowing and lack of a community social licence led to its very short life and closure. In recent years, driven by the need for metals to underpin the growth in renewable energy in response to climate change, a number of exploration licences have been granted in the Clarence Valley catchments. These licences are mainly around copper and cobalt and a side product of gold and some other rare metals. The Federal Government has also signed a number of treaties to reduce the reliance of Australia and the world on the dominance of China for rare metals. In addition, the main world cobalt supplier, 70 percent of world production, is the Republic of Congo which is unreliable due to civil war and social unrest in the country. The main mineral exploration companies causing the most community concern due to possible impacts on the river system and currently very active in the Clarence Valley catchments are: - Corazon based at Mt Gilmore (Gordon Brook) along the Clarence Way has discovered a potentially large copper/gold and associated cobalt resource which extends over a considerable area. Corazon has been supported by a grant by the Department of Resources and Geoscience recently for further exploration. - Castillo is re-exploring the old Cangai mine area and has had reported good results of a large amount of high quality copper. - The Sons of Bavaria (German and Canada based) are exploring around Drake/Ewingar and have purchased some shares in White Rock Minerals who own Mt Carrington. As a result of this exploration there has been a rise in community concern regarding the possible impacts of these mines on the Clarence River and its tributaries. The most prominent group raising concern and populating a petition against mining is the Clarence Catchment Alliance. In addition, Mr John Edwards Secretary of the Clarence Environment Centre has raised concerns about an exploration licence pending from Wilson Investments Pty Ltd which cover the old gold mining areas around Coramba see attached letter. KEY ISSUES There are several key issues: - The first one is that there are not a lot of facts on the exploration whether it will lead to actual mines and if so what are their long term feasibility. - There is rightly a lot of concern about the potential environmental impacts on the Clarence River if mines do move to production especially in these high rainfall areas. Although there is concern raised about the impacts on the drinking water catchment none of the three current exploration areas is above the weir at Nymboida. - The approval process for a mine and the EIS assessment would be determined by the Department of Planning not Council. Council’s role would be very limited. - The mines have the potential to create jobs and considerable economic impacts as can be seen around Orange with the Cadia gold, copper, molybdenum mine. - There would also be impacts on Council roads especially Clarence Way (note this could also be an opportunity for upgrade of the road). COUNCIL IMPLICATIONS Budget/Financial N/A Asset Management Mining could have impacts on Council roads and bridges from truck movements. Policy or Regulation Mining is regulated by the State Government not Council but would be subject to an EIS through the Department of Planning. Consultation There is considerable community concern about the possible mines as outlined in the attached examples. Legal and Risk Management There are potential environmental risks to the catchment from mining. Climate Change The materials targeted for potential mining are needed for battery, electric motor, solar and wind technology to reduce fossil fuel dependence. Prepared by Des Schroder, Director Environment, Planning & Community Attachment Two letters regarding concerns: Clarence Environment Centre Inc. Lions Australia - Lions Club of Clarence Environmental See more

15.01.2022 How did copper mining in Queenstown lead to acid rain? Queenstown has been affected from acid rain due to the sheer amount of sulfur emitted from the copper mining. The mountain has been exposed to large quantities of sulfide rich rocks falling into the river which has contributed largely to the formation of acid rain. Queenstown by Mitchell Williams - Infogram

15.01.2022 PUT A SIGN ON YA FENCE (U TUBE) CLARENCE VALLEY CATCHMENT

14.01.2022 An Open Cut Copper Mine The group CCA Clarence Catchment Alliance are working hard to stop mining in the Clarence catchment which is a massive task. How can a person help one may ask! Spread the message and sign the petition.

14.01.2022 More than 150 Bougainville residents are petitioning the Australian government to investigate Rio Tinto over claims its failure to clean up millions of tonnes of waste from its former copper mine on the island has caused severe environmental damage and human rights violations. The complaint, sent to the Anglo-Australian miner and the federal Treasury department this week, says the pollution left behind from Bougainville's Panguna mine that Rio Tinto ran for decades has poisoned local water sources and put the community's lives and livelihoods at risk.

12.01.2022 Contaminated Creek and river..

12.01.2022 EXPLORATION LICENCE APPLICATION Notice is given in accordance with Section 13A of the Mining Act 1992 and Clause 15 of the Mining Regulation 2016 that Exploration Licence Application ELA 6060 for Group 1 (metallic minerals) has been lodged with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment by CHRISTOPHER WILSON INVESTMENTS PTY LTD, ACN: 108968314, over an area of 67 units (approximately 198 square kilometres) which is located approximately 10 kilometres North West of the town of Coffs Harbor, as shown on the diagram below.

12.01.2022 29TH AUGUST 2018 Locals are angry that their water source has been deemed too risky to use. "It is sort of unbelievable that you've got NSW, half of Queensland in drought," said David Dyer, a Walsh River resident for more than 30 years.... "Here we are, we've got a running river that you can't use." 'A couple of buckets of poison' Milky white and red iron sludge derived from the mine pollution rests on the surface of Jamie Creek, which feeds the Walsh River in the wet season. https://www.abc.net.au//old-mine-that-has-poisone/10133118 In contrast to the red and white sludge, one of the few types of lifeforms to have survived and flourished in the acidic water is highly resilient, bright green algae.

11.01.2022 Mount Gilmore Co-Cu-Au project The early stage project is a prospective district scale copper play with substantial cobalt signatures. The historical exploration programs at the Mt Gilmore targeted the exceptionally high-grade Cobalt Ridge prospect. A recently induced polarisation (IP) survey has revealed further prospective Cu-Co anomalies indicating potential for a large-scale sulphide mineralisation. The recently identified anomalies are located in the surrounding of the previous discoveries. The Gordonbrook Hill prospect showcased the strongest IP anomaly over an area of diameter of a kilometre. Corazon identifies the potential of the Mt Gilmore project and remains committed to pursuing the opportunities.

10.01.2022 A company which owns gas permits across the Moree Plains Shire has welcomed the approval of the Narrabri Gas Project and signalled an intent to resume exploration of the region. Comet Ridge put out an announcement on Thursday, welcoming the NSW Independent Planning Commission's approval for Santos' Narrabri Gas Project

09.01.2022 Well well what have we here! So where does the NSW Gov plan on implementing tax money! Hope its not for the Clarence Catchment. Don't want filthy dirty open cut... toxic copper cobalt mines around this region !! Sulphide acid run off into the Mann and Upper Clarence River systems NO WAY Clarence district has clean potable water for aqua culture,cattle farming, fishing industry, sugar cane farming, tourism etc etc See more

09.01.2022 Apparently we can voice our opinion regarding water security for Clarence in a strategy paper early next year.

08.01.2022 When exploration work started, several hundred cubic meters of old tailings have been discovered near the former Just in Time Mine that were mined more than 50 years ago and were left behind by early miners. Several Ewingar residents, who are very concerned about preserving the beautiful forests and waters of the upper Clarence River Catchment have asked Mr. Kummerow, whether he would be willing to remove the old tailings to prevent acidic washout from these old ore piles.

04.01.2022 Mt Gilmore is in the middle. - Today's news, native title access and co-funding from NSW Government. See other post for details.

03.01.2022 This is the Petition Table at the Twighlight Markets Market Square. We are collecting signatures each and every Thursday from 3.30PM to 6PM. Call in for a chat about the impending Copper Mines & info.... you are more then welcome.... We also have Yard signs and stickers for sale Cheers from the CCA Team

02.01.2022 OPEN THIS LINK TO LISTEN TO A PODCAST ABOUT CONTAMINATIONS & DISCHARGING INTO THE DEE RIVER https://www.abc.net.au//queensland-floods-mines-di/4520542

02.01.2022 NO MINING RIGHT NEXT TO THE MANN RIVER

02.01.2022 The NSW Resources Regulator (NSWRR) has lifted suspension notices, at Cangai near Grafton, for two exploration licences held by mining companies Total Mineral Pty Ltd (TMPL) and Total Iron Pty Ltd (TIPL). The regulator issued a media statement on May 28, advising that remedial work at the exploration site has been completed allowing Castillo Copper to recommence exploration at the site. Two exploration licences (8625 and 8635) were suspended in December as a result of John Edwards from Clarence Environment Centre (CEC) notifying the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and alleging environmental breaches at the exploration site.

02.01.2022 IMAGES & article of mines, all for the creature comforts of the Planets occupants. Does mankind want to return to caveman status ! NOWAY but isn't there a bette...r path to follow with scientific technological advances. ENJOY THE PRETTY COLOURS that come from underneath the ground and mix in well with the water. Open and view more images inside article https://www.bbc.com//20201117-mining-and-anthropocene-land See more

01.01.2022 Sorry to say that the GAB Great Artesian Basin may end up depleted and contaminated now that the Narrabri Project has been approved