Seabed mining ban continues
A MORATORIUM on seabed mining in the NT’s coastal waters had been extended until at least 2021.
The decision follows two earlier moratorium orders applied from 2012–2015 and 2015–2018.
Large deposits of manganese are located in the coasts of Arnhem Land and the Gulf of Carpentaria that are of interest to developers.
Acting Minister for Environment and Natural Resources, Eva Lawler, confirmed the moratorium would remain until more scientific analysis is undertaken on the impact of seabed mining.
“It is important that should there be any future development of our marine environment, it is sustainable and ensures its ongoing health,” she said.
The moratorium will remain in place until March 2021 to allow the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to undertake a comprehensive review of the actual or potential impacts of seabed mining on NT coastal waters.
Mining project receives approval
ENVIRONMENTAL approvals have paved they way for the green light of a major mining project near Alice Springs.
The Federal Government’s approval now brings the TNG’s world-class Mount Peake project one step closer to authorisation.
Minister for Primary Industry and Resources, Ken Vowles, announced that Federal approval for the project to go ahead, followed the NT Environment Protection Authority recommending the project proceed earlier this year.
“TNG plans to mine vanadium, titanium and iron at the site 230km north-west of Alice Springs,” Mr Vowles said.
“There has been exceptional demand for these strategic metals over the last 12 months, so the future looks bright for Mount Peake and Territorians – this project will create jobs not only on site, but also at a planned metals refinery TNG wants to open in Darwin.”
TNG can move on to the next stages of the approval process, with the company’s Managing Director Paul Burton saying the receipt of federal environmental approval was a huge milestone for the Mount Peake project.
“This has brought it another important step closer to financing and development,” he said.
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