Allegations levelled in parliament against key player in Cape York mega mine

Battlelines have been drawn over a controversial mine poised to extract silica from a remote Cape York site, following allegations in parliament of bullying and backroom deals.

BATTLELINES have been drawn following allegations of bullying and backroom deals related to a controversial mega mine poised to extract silica from a remote Cape York site.

The Diatreme Resources project, 20km north of Cooktown, began stakeholder engagement meetings in Hope Vale and Cairns last month after securing approval for a voluntary EIS application in March 2020.

However claims of a failure to undertake appropriate consultation have been levelled in parliament against the Hope Vale Congress, the prescribed body corporate in control of the native title claim over the area.

The proposed Galalar Silica Project expects to extract 950,000 tonnes of silica a year, with a 15-year mine life.

Spokeswoman for the Yuwaal Thiithaarr Warra Aboriginal Corporation, Jessica McKechnie-Hart, said two of the five family groups in the clan were vehemently opposed to the mine.

Silica prospecting by Diatreme Resources at Cape Bedford, 20km north of Cooktown.

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“I don’t want to see the mine there, I think it should be heritage listed,” Ms McKechnie-Hart said.

“Everyone that goes there falls in love with the place, it’s breathtaking.”

She said members of her corporation had been locked out of negotiations.

“Since August a branch of the clan group has been excluded and kicked off the steering committee without explanation,” she said.

“We don’t know who will be getting those royalties or where they will go.”

The Hope Vale Congress has been promised 12.5 per cent project equity by Diatreme Resources but it remains unclear how the cash will be distributed.

Senator Larissa Waters voiced concerns of the Thiithaarr Warra people in parliament last week when speaking on the Native Title Bill Amendment.

She said formalising a structure that removes consensus decision making would take away means for Indigenous people to challenge decisions they disagree with.

“The Thiithaarr Warra have accused their registered native title body of bullying, misrepresentation, accepting favours, hiding critical information, denying access to native title land and failing to undertake appropriate consultation to secure support for the Indigenous land use agreement,” she said.

Diatreme Resources extract 950,000 tonnes of silica mine a year at Cape Bedford, 20km north of Cooktown.

Diatreme Resources CEO Neil McIntyre said the miner was “fully engaged” with all stakeholders.

“The steering committee has extended numerous invitations to the group to attend all meetings, however they have repeatedly chosen not to attend such meetings,” he said.

Ms McKechnie-Hart said the corporation was advised there was a good legal case against the mine and was about to start crowd-funding for a legal action.

Hope Vale Congress did not respond to phone calls.

Originally published as Allegations levelled in parliament against key player in Cape York mega mine