The 6 key reasons we oppose MCi's mining in our Catchment
This page explores a high level overview of why the proposed mining by MCi Carbon will be destructive to our entire region
01
The Manning River Catchment is Unique
The Manning Valley water catchment is unusual as the water supply for 35,000+ households stretches from Crowdy Head in the North to Smiths Lake in the South and incorporating Foster- Tuncurry, Taree and Wingham which are principally fed from Bootawa Dam. At the bottom of the river system water is pumped out of the river to a small dam off river at Bootawa . The location of the water source, at the bottom of the river system, makes it highly vulnerable to contamination from mining activities.
The catchment is home to unique flora and fauna such as the endangered Manning River Turtle. Any contamination would be catastrophic for this species and many others.
02
MCi Carbon want to mine serpentinite rock
Serpentine soils surrounding Serpentinite rock tend to have high concentrations of potentially toxic elements such as Cobalt, Chromium, Copper, Zinc and Nickel. In our very high rainfall area the potential for leaching of these toxic elements is high and very expensive to remediate if indeed possible. The Manning valley is actually a series of narrow valleys. Dust will not disperse and concentrate in the valley affecting the towns of Wingham and Taree. The risk of contaminating rain water tanks in the local area from mining dust containing toxic elements is high.
03
Serpentine mining methods
Sepentinite occurs in narrow veins that extend for multiple kilometres. It is not a simple quarrying operation but more like a strip mine, long narrow open cut mining. This increases the risk of contaminating surrounding areas through water contamination and dust exposure for residents of the entire valley.
04
Asbestos
Sepentinite often contains Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA). The NSW government states that the formations in the Manning Valley have a “HIGH Asbestos Potential”. Asbestos is a known killer in Australia. Approximately 4000 people die annually from asbestos related diseases in Australia according to the Australian government
05
Water usage
Mining is a water intensive industry. In this case large volumes of water will be needed for dust suppression. We only have to go back 6 short years to remember that the Manning River stopped flowing. According to mid coast water “It's estimated that by 2050 we will need to supply water to around 60,000 properties.” That is a 41% increase on existing supply in the next 25 years. Mid Coast water struggled to supply the existing population in 2019-20. Where will all that water come from? The catchment simply cannot support another water intensive industry. How will the mine suppress dust in drought or times of low flow. The mine would take water even when irrigators have been given cease to pump orders damaging the environment on which our tourism industry relies. The mine will take precedence over our water supply leaving the residents of the mid north coast potentially without water.
06
Conflicts with existing businesses
Our local area relies on three key businesses – Tourism Agriculture and fisheries (both commercial and recreational). Mining in the valley conflicts with all three key industries. Mining will compete with agriculture and our own personal water supply for water within our homes.
Mining will degrade the area for tourism purposes and mining will endanger our fisheries through its high water usage and potential for contamination.
