More must be done for residents impacted by Cadia gold mine pollution: Greens
Warnings the EPA could revoke the licence for Newcrest’s Cadia gold mine if action isn’t taken to comply with minimum legal standards for air quality is a welcome development for dozens of residents who are breathing and drinking heavy metals, but more should be done to urgently fix this mess, including compensation to those affected, says Greens MP and Mining, Coal & Gas spokesperson Cate Faehrmann.
“While it’s great the EPA has finally investigated and is taking action on community concerns, residents have been living under a cloud of dust from the Cadia gold mine for years, while Newcrest has failed to ensure its operations meet the bare minimum legal requirements to protect human health and the environment.
“The EPA has finally seen there is a problem, but the scope is clearly much greater than what they’re responding to. Heavy metals including lead are being deposited into the drinking water of many locals, and residents are also breathing these poisonous metals while going about their day to day life. Until it can guarantee the local community that the air is safe to breathe and their water safe to drink, operations at Cadia gold mine must cease.
“ Residents should also be compensated by Newcrest for what they have been forced to endure, while anyone living within a 15km radius of the mine should be offered the option of acquisitions at Newcrest’s expense.
“This appalling situation is just the tip of the iceberg, with communities near Mudgee and Kings Plain facing the prospect of new mines being built placing their health and environment at risk,” said Ms Faehrmann.