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http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-09-19/environment-group-stages-protest-to-stop-coal-exploration/2905498/?site=melbourne


Environment group stages anti-coal protest

Updated September 19, 2011 08:31:53

Protester Shaun Murray has chained himself to a drilling rig at a test site near Bacchus Marsh to protest against planned exploration for brown coal (19/09/11). Mantle Mining has started doing test drilling in the areas.
Map: Bacchus Marsh An environment group opposing brown coal mining at Bacchus Marsh, west of Melbourne, is staging a dramatic protest this morning.

The company, Mantle Mining, started testing for brown coal in the area two weeks ago.

The group Switch Off Coal, says the community has not been consulted and the agriculture industry will suffer if mining is allowed.

Protester Shaun Murray has chained himself to a drilling rig at one of the test sites.

"This is probably the most advanced coal project and as such, it represents the first attempt to build or undertake a new coal development in Victoria in 15 years," he said.

Another protester, Paul Connor, says money should be invested in renewable energy, not coal.

"We need to be transitioning away from coal. Brown coal is the dirtiest kind of coal," he said.

"Mantle Mining is claiming that they can burn the brown coal slightly more efficiently, but this technology that they're planning to use is in no way compatible with a safe climate future for this planet."