By Courtney Pearson
October 7, 2015
MCARTHUR River Mine (MRM) has agreed to pay the Northern Territory Government a sizable increase to its security bond for future site rehabilitation.
Mine operator Glencore was given until 1 October to pay the “significant increase” to continue operating its Boroloola zinc mine, Chief Minister Adam Giles said. The figure was not disclosed.
“The bond is one of a number of issues which we have been working hard to resolve with MRM,” he said.
“We want miners to keep working at Boroloola and we want MRM to meet its obligations to protect the environment.”
In February last year the NT Government discovered that mining waste at the site varied from what was assessed and approved by the previous government in 2012.
The mine’s environmental record was criticised after waterways were found to be contaminated with heavy metals.
More than 27,000 people signed a petition by the Traditional Owners to stop production at the mine and cancel open pit expansion plans unless all environmental concerns were solved.
Glencore stated that documents detailing the contamination incident were out of date and was committed to continue improving the mine.
“MRM (McArthur River mine) is committed to managing a safe, environmentally sustainable and profitable mining operation that continues to make a valuable contribution to the community and the Territory,” Glencore stated.
