Bob Brown Foundation is calling for a drill rig to be removed from takayna / Tarkine’s Meredith Range Regional Reserve. Venture Minerals has commenced drilling operations on the Wilson River, in World Heritage value area.
Protesting at the site today, Andrew Browne has attached himself to a Venture Minerals drill rig, right on the Wilson River. The Wilson River is home to the largest untouched stand of living Huon pines, photographed by Rob Blakers, and located less than 2km from the drill rig where Andrew and a group of protestors from the Bob Brown Foundation are taking action. This drilling is the first of many proposed clearings going upstream of the still pristine Wilson River, where Huon Pines trees have been standing for over two millennia.
In mid-February, Venture Minerals made an announcement to the Australian Stock Exchange that they would commence preliminary drilling operations for nickel. The company already has a number of mining leases within ecologically significant wilderness rainforest areas within takayna/Tarkine.
“Venture Minerals, a start-up mining company from Western Australia, are clutching at straws,” said Dr Lisa Searle of the Bob Brown Foundation. “They have attempted to mine iron ore and failed. They are attempting to mine tin and tungsten and failing. Now they are turning to nickel and trying once again to convince investors to fund yet another misguided project.”
“We want World Heritage listing and no new mining activity within the defined boundaries of takayna/Tarkine. We will continue defending this wild place as Venture and any other companies attempt to destroy these globally significant ecosystems. We will not stop. It’s time for Venture Minerals to get the picture and get out of takayna for good,” Said campaign manager Jenny Weber.
The Bob Brown Foundation has been campaigning for permanent protection for the entire takayna/Tarkine region since 2012 and will continue to oppose any new mining developments in this rare and precious