is there anybody out there lol, page-18

I found the article on thewest.com.au dated last Friday... Hopefully, just a minor hiccup in the short term for HRR holders.

Park plan may delay vital mine, says Heron
10th August 2007, 7:45 WST

Nickel explorer Heron Resources says its $1.4 billion project near Kalgoorlie could be delayed by a State Government proposal to convert part of its lease to a conservation park.

The Department of Environment and Conservation has been actively buying pastoral leases throughout WA since 1989 with the intention of putting 15 per cent of the State into conservation estates by 2029.

Mining and exploration is still allowed in conservation estates but not if the land is upgraded to nature park status.

With part of Heron’s Kalgoorlie nickel project included in the pastoral buyback, Heron managing director Matt Longworthy said he was concerned the State Government would try to impose more stringent environmental conditions which could delay the proposed mine.

“Once it’s in the conservation park they can ratchet up the conditions with minimal discussion,” Mr Longworthy said.

“I’m getting advice as to whether once it’s in the conservation estate it’s possible for the Minister of Environment to try to upgrade it from a conservation park to a nature park and then that totally locks out mining.”

The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) said the conversion of further pastoral leases to conservation estates could add significant hurdles to mining and exploration without any additional level of environmental protection.

AMEC policy and public affairs manager Ian Loftus said it could also deter future foreign investment into WA.

REBECCA KEENAN