Aboriginal community seeks halt to proposed sand mine citing burial grounds
An Aboriginal corporation warns that sand mining at a proposed site could destroy ancestral burial grounds.
A proposed sand mine in north-east Tasmania has prompted an urgent warning from the local Aboriginal community. North Scottsdale Resources plans to extract 70 to 100 million tonnes of sand for concrete.
The site is Boobyalla Beach on the Rushy Lagoon property. Mark Harriss is co-chair of the local Aboriginal corporation.
He says the dune systems were burial sites. Mark Harriss said remains are likely throughout those sand dunes.
The mining company says extensive surveys found only two artefacts. They say these won't affect the proposed mine.
Harriss is calling for proper community consultation before any approval. A notice of intent is expected to go to Tasmania's Environmental Protection Authority mid to late October.
- 70 to 100 million tonnes
- Sand extraction volume
- 2
- Artefacts found in surveys
- 40 jobs
- Expected jobs
- 30 to 40 million dollars
- Construction phase investment
Why it mattersThe project could destroy significant Aboriginal cultural heritage if it goes ahead without proper consultation and safety measures.
AustraliaTasmania may approve a major sand mine that the local Aboriginal community believes threatens ancestral burial grounds.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 12 h ago
