Blocked

 
Published: Saturday 15 April 2006

Coast not clear An environment ngo has asked the Environment Protection Agency of Queensland to reject the proposed sand mines on Melville Island, part of the Tiwi Islands. Matilda Minerals have proposed to sand mine the island for zircon and rutile.

Peter Robertson, from the ngo Environment Centre Northern Territory, said that acid drainage from the mine could damage the fragile coastal environment. "The company says it's done some initial studies. But we believe all studies should be done before it is approved," Robertson said.

But the Tiwi Land Council, a local government body, has supported the proposed mine, saying it will provide employment for local people.

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