2016-09-23
Responding to the reported cut-price sale of Blair Athol coal mine by Rio Tinto to minor player TerraCom announced to the ASX today, the Queensland Greens have called on Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to block the deal in order to secure mine rehabilitation jobs and stop Rio Tinto shirking its responsibilities. Queensland Greens spokesperson Andrew Bartlett said:
"It's clear that Rio Tinto is trying to offload this toxic asset for $1 so they can dodge their legal obligation to rehabilitate.
"Dodging rehab obligations is just as bad as multinational tax avoidance.
"Premier Palaszczuk must stand up to big mining companies like Rio Tinto who are trying to dodge their responsibilities to clean up their own mess.
"Our regional communities need to know that mining rehabilitation jobs are secured, which is why the Queensland Greens are calling on Labor to block this dodgy deal.
"If Labor lets Rio Tinto get away with this, they will be selling out our regional communities and the local environment, since abandoned mines leave toxic scars across our landscape.
"Analysis from Lock the Gate has shown that coal mine rehabilitation across the Bowen Basin could create 2,000 - 3,000 jobs for many years to come, which would be a great start for the transition away from coal.
"There are highly credible reports that Rio has not provided enough financial assurance to cover the full cost of rehabilitation, meaning future rehab jobs will be sacrificed."
Andrew Bartlett is available for interview: 0418 743 789.