Rex Minerals have put in a submission to create a copper mine and processing plant on the Yorke Peninsula coast near Black Point, just across the gulf from Adelaide.

This mine will be the biggest open cut copper mine in Australia with 50 more sites targeted across the peninsula! Mining of this scale will have a devastating impact .

Once the  fragile coast and valuable farmland are gone, they’re gone forever!

We wouldn't let this happen in the Barossa or the Coonawarra, so why do it to Yorke Peninsula?

 

Plans are to commence mining in 2015 and the Japanese company Hyundai  Engineering and Construction have already signed an agreement to provide the start-up construction . There has been very little media coverage of this in South Australia. Only a small percentage of SA’s population are aware of the proposal and have been given a very short time to respond, while Rex Minerals have had years to investigate the site and prepare their submission.

 

Damage to the  Coastal Environment

In 2003 a mining company obtained exemption from the Coastal Protection Act for the section of coast Tiddy Widdy to Black Point.  Rex Minerals applied to take over that exemption in 2009. Local council was invited to comment, but the issue never went to council meeting, and exemption was granted. Why? How could this happen without public knowledge? 

Why are mining companies getting away with bending the rules?

What’s going to happen to our pristine coast?

 

Tourism 

Four popular holiday resorts – Black Point, Pine Point, Rogues Point and James Well – are located within 2 to 5 kms of the proposed mine.

Black Point, pictured above, is one of the few beaches in Australia where you can hire accommodation right on the beach-front …….just steps from the water’s edge! Families have been enjoying this holiday spot for over 80 years.

How many tourists will still want to visit if the region’s natural beauty and serenity have been destroyed?

What will happen to recreational fishing when the Gulf waters become contaminated?

 

Agriculture 

Yorke Peninsula has some of the best farming country in the world and contributes $400 million to the state’s economy every year….. a contribution that will continue for hundreds of years.Why ruin this with a mine that will only last 15 years? Why sell out to foreign investors and decimate good farmland in the process?

Only 4% of South Australia is suitable for agriculture and Yorke Peninsula comprises half of that.  Where will our food come from?