❓ Question regarding potential mining activity near Horizontal Falls and government's stance on protecting the area's environmental and tourism values. Premier acknowledges awareness and outlines approval process with strict environmental standards.
AnsweredQoN 4794Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Premier’s statement reported in the
West Australian
of 31 August 2011, on page 1, in which he is reported to have said ‘while he supported protecting parts of the West Kimberley, including the Horizontal Waterfalls, a blanket listing would stymie development’, and I ask -
(1) Is the Premier aware that Pegasus Metals Limited made an ASX announcement on 14 September 2011 that they were about to commence diamond drilling at its McLarty range copper project?
(2) Is the Premier aware that the McLarty range copper project is in the ranges and ridges that surround both of the Horizontal Waterfalls?
(3) If yes to (1) and (2), what will the Premier do to stop the exploration and mining of the McLarty ranges by Pegasus metals or any other company in the area that surrounds the Horizontal Waterfalls?
(4) If no action is to be undertaken by the Premier, why not?
West Australian
of 31 August 2011, on page 1, in which he is reported to have said ‘while he supported protecting parts of the West Kimberley, including the Horizontal Waterfalls, a blanket listing would stymie development’, and I ask -
(1) Is the Premier aware that Pegasus Metals Limited made an ASX announcement on 14 September 2011 that they were about to commence diamond drilling at its McLarty range copper project?
(2) Is the Premier aware that the McLarty range copper project is in the ranges and ridges that surround both of the Horizontal Waterfalls?
(3) If yes to (1) and (2), what will the Premier do to stop the exploration and mining of the McLarty ranges by Pegasus metals or any other company in the area that surrounds the Horizontal Waterfalls?
(4) If no action is to be undertaken by the Premier, why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
1 December 2011
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Premier
Response time
64 days
(1) Yes.
(2) Yes.
(3) - (4)
Pegasus Metals Limited obtained approval from the Department of Mines and Petroleum earlier this year for a limited programme of diamond drilling to be carried out in a location situated 4 kilometres north-west of the Horizontal Falls. This approval followed the Environmental Protection Authority's decision not to formally assess the proposal under the
Environmental Protection Act 1986
given the low impact nature of the programme (total proposed disturbance was 0.255 hectares). The approval was subject to strict environmental standards, including minimising disturbance, through only being able to clear using hand tools and mobilising the drill rig via helicopter. Should exploration indicate there is significant mineralisation and it is economic then the proponent would need to obtain a mining lease and submit a formal mining proposal. Such a mining proposal would be very carefully scrutinised by government. The State's position is that no exploration and mining will be allowed around the Horizontal Falls that would in any way compromise the environmental and tourism values of the Falls.
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(2) Yes.
(3) - (4)
Pegasus Metals Limited obtained approval from the Department of Mines and Petroleum earlier this year for a limited programme of diamond drilling to be carried out in a location situated 4 kilometres north-west of the Horizontal Falls. This approval followed the Environmental Protection Authority's decision not to formally assess the proposal under the
Environmental Protection Act 1986
given the low impact nature of the programme (total proposed disturbance was 0.255 hectares). The approval was subject to strict environmental standards, including minimising disturbance, through only being able to clear using hand tools and mobilising the drill rig via helicopter. Should exploration indicate there is significant mineralisation and it is economic then the proponent would need to obtain a mining lease and submit a formal mining proposal. Such a mining proposal would be very carefully scrutinised by government. The State's position is that no exploration and mining will be allowed around the Horizontal Falls that would in any way compromise the environmental and tourism values of the Falls.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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