Former Greens leader Bob Brown’s foundation is taking the federal environment minister and Tasmanian resources minister to court as part of an ongoing bid to stop mining outfit MMG’s controversial plans to build a tailings dam to store heavy metals waste in the ancient Tarkine rainforest.

The group is challenging a Tasmanian government decision to grant a lease over a road near MMG’s proposed dam site, saying it is targeted at stopping protesters gathering in the area rather than any access needs of the Chinese-owned company.