new ann , page-33

Jaeb

Thanks for the post. I have already explained to Fluffynymph the nature of my employment.

In the first instance I must make it clear to you that I am not ant-mining, and that while I am embedded in a Culture that has a World View and behavioural practices different, and at time diametrically opposed to my own, I respect them but don't necessarily share them.

I am employed by the Traditional Owners,their business arm GEBIE, have been since 2006. Their income is derived from a variety of sources, including mining royalties and various commercial activities- including the provision of Cross Cultural Courses, not just to GEMCo, which probably generates around $50K-$60K dollars out of a cash inflow of maybe $40 million to $50 million dollars p.a.

GEMCO are a fait accompli on the Eylandt. The original agreement to mine was signed in the early 1960's between BHP and the Church Missionary Society, "on behalf of the Traditional Owners". At that point in time the CMS held the lease over Groote Eylandt.

The TO's have no legal recourse to overturn that original agreement. In 1987 an agreement was signed between the TO's and GEMCO to allow exploration of the "Eastern Leases". In 2007 GEMCO began steps to implement that agreement. It had largely lay dormant until that time. By the time GEMCO approached the ALC to access those leases in 2007 anti-mining sentiment, as a result, in the minds of the TO's, of cultural desecration and social upheaval caused by mining since the 1960's, was ramapant. All legal avenues and other overtures to GEMCO were explored by the ALC to overturn the 1987 agreement. The ALC failed in these endeavours and exploratory drilling commenced a couple of months ago.

Within the legislation applying to the mining process the ALC strenuously applies itself to maintaining the integrity of their culture where it can. This involves, among other things, the registration of Sacred Sites, which subsequently results in exclusion zones. As environmental integrity and cultural values are so very, very much entwined the ALC also hammers GEMCO on its environmental responsibilties, which I would suggest, the mining company is often lax in living up to. This is a constant battle. In fact what is apparent is that the ALC must be obsessively vigilant in ensuring that all aspects of the Mine Management Agreement are adhered to. As an aside this is also part of the roles of myself and my wife as we earn our keep.

Personally, in regard to GEMCO's practices I am in admiration of some...their Aboriginal Employment Strategy for example is world class, an model I would commend others to follow. I am ambivalent about some of their activities, and scathing in regard to their performance in other areas.

My wife did appear on NT Stateline in December 2010. As a fundamental statement of the TO's position re the seascape covered by GR's tenements I believe it is definitive. And any suggestion that she's led along by the nose by white people in articulating her views certainly doesn't know my wife.

All up we have no choice but to tolerate GEMCO's presence. But as I stated I'm not anti-mining. I don't oppose land based mining on Groote. My wife opposes it with a passion. I stated in a previous post that a company like GOT might well do a better job than GEMCO if they held the current leases here. In same ways they couldn't possibly perform worse.

I co-exist with GEMCO employees quite happily for the most part. Some of them are good friends of mine. But you might imagine that being a friend of mine would necessitate the ability to handle frank and forthright discusssion. Some GEMCO employees seem to handle this and offer the hand of frienship in that knowledge. Some seek advice. And sometimes I seek advice from them. Others despise me. Most couldn't care less about me.

In regard to seabed mining, especially the implications of GR's so called Project, personally, I am passionately opposed to it on environmental and cultural grounds. Those who hold that it could be undertaken without out environmental and cultural mayhem are really in fantasy land, in my opinion. In my opinion the decision makers of GR who dreamed the Project up are irresponsible; environmental barbarians for one, whom history will judge as enemies of the planet, if the Project goes ahead. This is an unfetted statement of my position re GOT's sea based ambitions. It clearly articulates my "bias".

Jaeb any suggestion that I'm "down ramping" GOT's stock on behalf GEMCO to facilitate a takeover by the multi national at a bargain basement price is ludicrous. I'd like to see GR disappear from the face of the earth if they continue to pursue seabed mining in the Gulf, but I am not an agent provocateur for BHP.

Finally, I derive my income from the TO's. I'm employed by them. My job is to articulate their sentiments. My job is to ensure that GR are stopped in their tracks. And I'll give thenm 100%, as I believe all employees should. And if GEMCO makes any move re intrusive activity on their sea based tenements they'll be copping the same treatment as GOT, and I'll bet my left goolie on that.

Personally I'd prefer to be spending time with my grandkids and my eight track recording studio, and because I can't both GEMCo and GOT p... me right off.