Independent review finds lead levels in fish near McArthur River Mine not a serious health risk

LEAD found in fish near the McArthur River Mine is not a serious risk to human health, according to an independent review

17/12/2008: 16/03/2006: McArthur River Mine. Earth moving equipment scrapes away at the mine face to load trucks headed for the mill.

LEAD found in fish near the McArthur River Mine is not a serious risk to human health, according to an independent review.

The test results come after long-running concerns from Borroloola locals that their health could be at risk from eating fish from the river.

Former mine operator Xstrata diverted a 5km stretch of the river in 2008, allowing them to convert the mine to an open cut operation.

Environmental concerns have grown ever since a pile of waste rock self-combusted in 2013.

Department of Mines and Energy chief executive Ron Kelly said the testing program was triggered by the 2014 Independent Monitors Report into the mine.

“Some results from sampling undertaken in 2012 and 2013, and highlighted in the 2014 Independent Monitors Report, showed elevated levels of lead in fish in a location within the mine lease,” Mr Kelly said.

The NT’s chief health officer Prof Dinesh Arya said the report confirmed that the risk of lead poisoning was low.

Locals have long been advised to limit their consumption of fish from the river, a warning which remains in place but which mirrors general national guidelines for fish consumption.

McArthur River Mine ­general manager Sam Strohmayr said that locals should have confidence in mine owner ­Glencore’s environmental ­initiatives.