Glenaladale farmers face new mining proposal
East Gippsland farmers are preparing to oppose a mining project for the second time after it was first rejected three years ago.
Victoria
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Farmers in the state’s east have called for “equal footing” as a mining company moves to rescope a mineral sands project three years’ after the Victorian government first knocked it back.
Gippsland Critical Minerals, formerly Kalbar Operations Pty Ltd, originally proposed a Fingerboards Mineral Sands Project at Glenaladale in 2021, across 1675ha and a 20-year lifespan.
At the time, the Planning Minister found it would have unacceptable environmental effects on biodiversity, air quality, agriculture, horticulture, water availability, and unacceptable social impacts.
But the state government renewed the company’s two retention licences and one exploration licence in October, which allowed for a project rescoping.
Glenaladale farmers Rick and Susan Coleman first became aware of the initial project one decade ago, and opposed it during the EES process. Mr Coleman said they were still waiting on the state government and Gippsland Critical Minerals for more information on the latest push.
“If we want to defend our freehold land, it costs us. Vast amounts of time, extraordinary levels of stress, and huge sums of money,” he said.
Mr Coleman said Glenaladale was home to diverse agricultural operations including horticulture, dairy, beef, viticulture and prime lamb.
“There are a range of sites they can choose, including sites where there is low population density and reduced impact,” he said.
Mr Coleman said he hoped there would be a review of the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 to improve farmers’ equitability.
“Something where landholders and mining companies are negotiating on an equal footing, rather than mining companies having the power to barge in willy nilly, as we’ve experienced,” he said.
“It’s a mine in the wrong place. The river hasn’t moved, you can’t stop the dust, the horticulture industry has expanded further so it’s now more vulnerable.”
Mine-Free Glenaladale president Robyn Grant said the community wanted to meet with company representatives as a collective to ensure clear communication.
She said they were still seeking a statement of reasons from the state government for the licence renewal.
An Earth Resources Regulator spokesman said in January they were finalising a statement of reasons, which was set to be released in early February.
Gippsland Critical Minerals chief executive Michelle Wood said they were rescoping a lower-impact project with a smaller mining footprint.
She said they had engaged “dozens” of community members and landowners individually about the new project.
“At this stage, we are reluctant to participate in a large community meeting given the threats and intimidation that many in the community who speak up in support of this project are subjected to,” Ms Wood said.
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