Carbon Capture project risks asbestos contamination in Manning Valley

Reference article by Kim Wingerei

Residents of the Manning Valley in New South Wales are raising concerns over a carbon capture project led by MCi Carbon, which involves extracting serpentinite ore that may contain asbestos. This mining operation, slated for Mount George, Wherrol Flat, and Burrel Creek, could release harmful asbestos dust into the environment, posing significant health risks. Despite the global ban on asbestos, the NSW government has granted exploration licenses to MCi Carbon, which is also exploring ways to use serpentinite for carbon sequestration. The project's controversial nature has sparked protests, as it threatens local ecosystems, farmland, and the health of the region's population.

The Manning Valley, known for its farming and tourism industries, is now at risk of contamination from the mining activities. Local residents fear the pollution of vital waterways, such as the Manning River, which serves as a drinking water source for over 40 thousand households. The potential for widespread health problems and the destruction of local agriculture has led to strong opposition from the community. MCi Carbon's exploration could create a large-scale mining operation, with major implications for both the environment and the people of the Manning Valley.

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