NT says no for now to seabed mining
Amateur Fisherman’s Association of the NT (AFANT) CEO Chris Makepeace is delighted with the NT Government’s decision to place a moratorium on seabed mining and exploration until 2015, which calls for a comprehensive assessment on the environmental impact by the EPA.
“The NT Government’s decision is very welcome by us,” say Chris.
“We objected to the application to the mining permits in September last year, and indicated to the NT Government to put a stop to the process because no one knows what would be the impact [of the mining],” Chris explains.
In its submission to the NT Department of Resources, AFANT expressed concern regarding proposed mining activities in the Roper/Limmen area, as well as sand mining in Anson Bay and Hyland Bay.
AFANT was not alone in its objection. Chris says that “a concerted community effort” was made, with objections lodged by the Northern Territory Seafood Council, the Environment Centre in NT, and the Anandilyakwa Land Council, among others.
In a policy document released earlier this week, the Northern Territory Government said it was impossible to develop conditions for mineral titles and authorisations relating to seabed mining without knowing the potential impacts on the environment or business, and how those impacts could be managed.
The moratorium is effective immediately and excludes petroleum exploration, dredging,
and port development.