MRM needs to properly engage with custodians over mine expansion

The Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA) today calls on the McArthur River Mine Pty Ltd (MRM) to properly engage with custodians about their plans to expand the Mine.

MRM operates a lead and zinc mine approximately 45 kilometres south-west of Borroloola in the Gulf of Carpentaria with 21 sacred sites and a number of significant heritage sites located within and in the vicinity of the mine site. 

Today the NT Government announced approval of an amended Mining Management Plan for a complex expansion of the mine that includes increasing its rock waste dump, or Northern Overburden Emplacement Facility, to 140metres.  The new Mining Management Plan requires valid Authority Certificates from the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority before this work commences.

MRM does not currently hold any Authority Certificates for the proposed changes to the mine site.

In November 2017, an Authority Certificate application by MRM relating to their plans to expand the Northern Overburden Emplacement Facility was rejected by AAPA, with a request that MRM undertake consultation with Traditional Owners.  MRM chose instead to appeal the decision with Government.  That decision is still pending.

Bobby Nunggamajbarr, Chair of AAPA said for years the fate of important sacred and heritage sites has been waiting on a decision from Government, and today’s announcement is very concerning.

"MRM's proposed Northern Overburden Emplacement Facility will be 140metres high, higher than the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and threatens both an ancient stone tool quarry and an important Barramundi dreaming site.  In addition, the immense weight of such a mountain of waste will affect the water table in the area, and neighbouring sacred sites,” said Mr Nunggamajbarr.

“Here in the Northern Territory, we are rightly proud that our sacred sites legislation is stronger than elsewhere in the nation.

“AAPA has four decades of anthropological research in the region and consults closely with custodians to ensure they understand the work proposed and to identify possible impacts on sacred sites. We have repeatedly offered to assist MRM with their consultation.

“Juukan Gorge does not need to be repeated here in the NT. 

“Authority Certificates under the Sacred Sites Act provide certainty for custodians and developers alike.”

A Borroloola elder and spokesperson, Jack Green, said at every turn MRM has been advised to properly consult with traditional owners - but the custodians are still waiting.

"If a site is destroyed, it destroys culture.  It means people can't teach the law.  There will be no dancing.  No story.  No life.

 "What MRM proposes is serious.  Custodians have not been properly consulted. 

 “We do not rule out the expansion, but multiple Authority Certificates are needed.  AAPA needs to set out the conditions under which proposed work near sacred sites may be carried out, and that has not yet been agreed with all the relevant custodians.”