Small Mining (Cape York)

Small Mining (Cape York) - There's been much talk recently regarding both the Aurukun mining leases/proposals (i.e. Glencore saga) as well as Metro Mining's (formerly Cape Alumina) proposal for Bauxite Hills near Mapoon on the Skardon River. There's another mine proposed next to that one.

Both are only small/boutique operations and they take place on land formerly mined for kaolin hence the land is not pristine and the Skardon River apparently doesn't need dredging for their shipping. There's a fair bit of infrastructure still there from the kaolin days, meaning barge port, and smaller mining operations tend to have a better approach to regeneration. So all in all these two mines are two of the best proposed for the Cape in a long time.

It's position north of Mapoon will actually benefit small communities as far up as Seisia. Smaller mines can fit into places which benefit many satellite towns whereas large scale operations like at Andoom and Weipa need a large base town or FIFO workers. Therefore the two mines being proposed at Skardon River on the Western Cape, Cape York Peninsula are looking to benefit the economy of the Cape, employment and training with regenerative and non-invasive environmental practices!

We should be encouraging of development in the Cape that will have economic benefits able to reach far and wide and cause minimal environmental intrusion. Pastoralists and land holders in Cape York like nowhere else alongside the Traditional Owners have the knowledge and experience in sustainable environmental management and usage. This ability to holistically and cleverly partner with Mother Earth, instead of ruining the environment, should be celebrated- especially as primary industries, like sustainable timber and cattle grazing, partner economic, environmental and lifestyle values so well!