May 24, 2003 - The destruction and pollution of the fragile reef systems around Cockatoo Island in the Buccaneer Archipelago of the northern coast of the Kimberley has led to a call for the cessation of mining in that area.
Mining spokesperson Robin Chapple today:
- Called on Government to instruct Mines Department to immediately stop work by Portman Mining and Henry Walker Eltin on Cockatoo Island.
- Called on BHP to investigate the improper operations of Portman Mining on one of their leases.
- Called on Government to investigate why no monitoring of the site has been undertaken by the EPA.
- Called on Government to establish why no environmental bond exists over M04/137.
- Called on Government to immediately prosecute Portman Mining and Henry Walker Eltin for having breached Licence Numbers 6929/5 and 6929/6 on Cockatoo Island.
- Called on Government to immediately investigate why there are no rehabilitation requirements by Portman Mining and Henry Walker Eltin.
- Called on Government to establish why there was not a full public environment review prior to the permitting of these operations in a proposed Nature Reserve and Marine Park.
- Called on Government and the Minister to establish why the EPA recommended that this proposal not be assessed, when their own filter sheet identified that sedimentation may smother marine habitat.
- Called on Government to investigate the activities of Portman Mining in Western Australia.
