A Federal Court ruling that will halt one of the world's largest zinc mines is a big win for Traditional Owners and for the environment, said the Australian Greens today.
"The McArthur River Mine should never have received Commonwealth approval - it is the direct opposite of the kinds of sustainable economic development that Northern Australia is crying out for," said Senator Rachel Siewert.
"The ball now lies in Minister Garrett's court - he needs to commit to doing two things straight away. Firstly he needs to sit down with the Traditional Owners and talk this issue through. Then he needs to conduct a proper environmental impact assessment," she said.
The Greens are confident that a comprehensive assessment will find that the environmental impacts of the project are significant.
"This is a project that should never have seen the light of day."
"Where mining activities occur on Aboriginal land it is crucial that the Traditional Owners are consulted and that compensation is provided ... along with training and real jobs."
"Australian mining companies in this day and age need to act as good corporate citizens," said Senator Siewert.
"The Australian Greens are calling on the mining company Xstrata to halt the diversion of the river and immediately restore it to its natural state."
"I congratulate the Booroloola Traditional Owners and the NLC for their strong stand in defence of their country. The Federal court has confirmed that this mine should never have been allowed to proceed," she concluded.
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