Independent Monitor for McArthur River Mine

NT Govt media release

Victorian company Environmental Earth Sciences (EES) has been appointed the Independent Monitor for the McArthur River Mine (MRM) project.

Minister for Mines and Energy Chris Natt said the appointment of an independent monitor was a condition of the project being approved last year.

“Xstrata agreed to fund the appointment of the monitor and the payment of a $55.5 million security bond to be reassessed annually.

“EES will begin monitoring the environmental performance of McArthur River Mine in November for five years.

“The company will also review environmental assessments and audits undertaken by the Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines.

“Specific clauses have been put in place to ensure EES is completely independent from both the mine operator and the Territory Government.

“EES will not be responsible for reviewing either mine safety or social issues arising from the mine’s operation.

“Reports from the Independent Monitor will be posted on its website so that everyone can access the information.

“The tender specifications for the monitor were developed with input from community groups and stakeholders.

“The Territory Government remains committed to delivering a strong and growing economy and to promoting environmentally sustainable development,” said Mr Natt.

Federal Court

mcarthuriver has been a bit quiet lately as we wait for the Federal Court decsion - no word yet on the date, but I will let you know as soon as it happens. I favourable decsion will see the mine stopped, I wonder what Howard and Rudd would say to that.

 Here is something to remind you of what we are fighting for (thanks to anon for the photos)