Xstrata delays agreement on social obligations

Documents obtained using freedom of information laws show mining giant Xstrata is yet to sign off on what economic and social benefits will go to residents near its McArthur River Mine in the Northern Territory.

Work has already begun on the mine’s expansion, which involves diverting a five-kilometre stretch of the McArthur River despite the objections of traditional owners.

But the mine’s management plan shows an agreement on social obligations is still being drafted.

The NT Government promised there would be improved outcomes for the local community when the Environment Minister gave the expansion her approval last August.

Charles Roche from the Territory’s environment centre says the agreement should have been locked down by now.

“If it’s good enough to start work on the diversion of the McArthur River then it really should be good enough to have that social benefits package worked out,” he said.

Xstrata has agreed to a $32 million community benefits fund.

 from the ABC

Miner appeals McArthur River expansion ruling

McArthur River Mining (MRM) has lodged an appeal against a Northern Territory Supreme Court ruling that found its expansion near Borroloola was illegally approved.

In April Justice David Angel ruled the Territory Government had illegally approved the mine’s conversion from underground to open cut.

The ruling halted all work at the mine and the Government rushed through emergency legislation last sitting overriding the ruling and allowing the operation to continue.

But MRM’s general manager Brian Hearne says the company wants clarity on the issue of mining authorisations for the benefit of the whole industry and it has decided to appeal.

“The matter is really one of precedent and we really need to set the record straight,” he said.

The appeal was lodged yesterday hearing dates are yet to be set.

By parry/ hearne, ABC

McArthur River Federal Court Challenge

Just heard that the Federal Court hearing is listed for 2-3 days, 30 July - 1st August.

The big questions is, will John Howard, who personally endorsed and promoted the mine, do a ‘Clare Martin’ and change the law if the court rules his government acted illegally or will the Howard Government have more respect for Indigenous People, democracy and the separation of powers than our Nt Labor Government. 

Will post more information as it becomes available.

Xstrata appeals McArthur River Supreme Court decision

Xstrata today announced its intention to appeal the Supreme Court decsion that foundin favor of the Traditional owners in ruling that the NT Government’s mining aproval was invalid.

Unfortunately that is all we can tell you at this point as mcarthurriver was refused access to the media briefing - hopefully Xstrata will release more information as to why they are appealing.

It is hard to understand the move given the NT Government changed the law to allow the mine to proceed.