4 Feb 2012.
The Wall St Journal reports that Newmont mining is close to selling 2 coal permits – namely the 13,000ha MDL 304 at Felton and the 12,000ha MDL 299 near Millmerran.
Only last week, Queensland’s new Strategic Cropping Land (SCL) legislation became law. Let’s be frank, the amount of land protected is very small. Even though only 4.1% of Qld is suitable for cropping (according to the Qld Govt), the amount of land given some protection under the new legislation may be as little as 1% (and incredibly Coal Seam Gas wells will be allowed anywhere). The official Government Orwellian phrase that they have ‘got the balance right’ between mining and agriculture reveals clearly how much influence the resources industry wields over our democracy.
With regard to Felton, the good news is that a large proportion of the cropping land in the area will qualify for inclusion in the protected 1%. This includes a very large part of MDL 304 which Newmont has put up for sale. It makes you wonder if the prospective purchasers are aware that the chances of mining being allowed are very slim – profitable for Newmont perhaps, but a nasty surprise for the purchaser.
Friends of Felton
No comments:
Post a Comment