President Bruce's Presentation to the Local Mid Coast Council: Key Concerns for the Manning Valley

Yesterday, MAMA President Bruce Robertson addressed the Mid Coast Council on behalf of the community to express concerns over MCI Carbon's mining exploration activities in the Manning Valley. His speech, which covered significant issues like asbestos, heavy metal contamination, and community consultation, was well-received by the council, and over 90 MAMA supporters attended the rally, showing their commitment to protecting the Valley.

The rally was covered by both Channel 9 and Channel 7, highlighting the strong community opposition to mining in the region.

Councillor Dheera Smith's resolution was passed with some modifications, marking a step forward in the Alliance's efforts to safeguard the region.

1. Asbestos: A Significant Health Risk

Bruce began by addressing concerns over asbestos in Serpentine rock, the primary target of mining activities proposed by MCI Carbon. While MCI's fact sheet downplayed the risks, stating that Serpentine “may occasionally contain Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA),” Bruce emphasized the misleading nature of this claim. Asbestos is a known carcinogen, responsible for thousands of deaths in Australia annually. Quoting an article from Geosciences (August 2024), Bruce pointed out that “in most cases, NOA occurs in Serpentinites.” This discrepancy is deeply troubling, particularly considering that the NSW government has identified formations in the Manning Valley as having a “HIGH Asbestos Potential.”

2. Heavy Metal Contamination: A Growing Concern

Bruce then turned to the issue of heavy metal contamination, which is an even more pressing concern. MCI Carbon plans to mine Serpentine, a mineral known for often containing high concentrations of toxic elements such as Cobalt, Chromium, Copper, Zinc, and Nickel. However, MCI Carbon has yet to address the potential risks posed by these heavy metals. Studies in both Turkey and Italy have shown significant contamination in Serpentine mining areas, with the resulting damage to soil and local ecosystems being both socially and economically harmful. For the Manning Valley, the stakes are particularly high, as the region’s water supply relies on the Manning River, which is directly downstream from the proposed mining sites.

3. Community Consultation: A Serious Lack of Engagement

Lastly, Bruce addressed the inadequate community consultation conducted by MCI Carbon. He revealed that MCI failed to notify the Biripi people, the traditional landowners, before initiating exploration activities. Furthermore, 72% of landholders in the exploration zone did not receive proper notice of community information sessions, and a planned meeting was abruptly canceled with no rescheduling in sight. This lack of transparency is unacceptable, especially given the potential environmental and cultural impacts of mining in the region.

Community Support and Council's Resolution

The rally, attended by more than 90 MAMA supporters with signs and placards, showed just how deeply the community cares about the future of the Manning Valley. Bruce expressed his thanks to the supporters, emphasizing how their presence was vital to the cause. The event gained significant media attention, with Channel 9 and Channel 7 covering the rally and Bruce's speech.

In the end, Councillor Dheera Smith’s resolution was passed with some modifications, a major step forward in ensuring the protection of the Manning Valley's environment and resources. Bruce expressed MAMA's ongoing commitment to work alongside the community and decision-makers to ensure that mining activities do not compromise the Valley's water supply, agricultural industry, or the well-being of its residents.

Conclusion: A Call for Action

Bruce concluded by voicing MAMA’s support for the resolution, urging the council to take action against mining proposals in the Manning Valley. He also recommended adding Mitsubishi UBE Cement Corporation to the list of companies to be contacted, as they have recently invested in MCI Carbon. Bruce emphasized that mining activities in the Manning Valley would jeopardize not only the region’s unique water supply but also its agricultural, tourism, fishing, and oyster industries.

Your committee is working hard on your behalf, and the fight to protect the Manning Valley is far from over. MAMA stands united in its commitment to safeguard the region for generations to come. We invite all residents and supporters to join us in this critical fight.

You can listen to Bruce’s full speech through the council’s website, and we’ve also attached a copy of his speech for reference.