Open-cut mine threat to Gardens of Stone
- From:The Daily Telegraph
- September 14, 2012
0
Conservationists fear open-cut mining will destroy one of the state’s most stunning landscapes at Ben Bullen State Forest. Source: Supplied
A MASSIVE open-cut coal mine which would raze almost 1000ha of state forest has outraged conservationists, raised major health concerns, split the local community and sparked claims of increased power bills if it is not approved.
Coalpac wants to expand its mining operations at Cullen Bullen on the western shoulders of the Blue Mountains near Lithgow to include open-cut coal mining in the Ben Bullen State Forest bordering the famed Gardens of Stone National Park.
Conservationists fear open-cut mining will destroy one of the state’s most stunning landscapes and create health issues from dust, blast emissions and noise pollution from the proposed 24-hour-a-day operation.
Public hearings into development consent for Coalpac’s proposal are to begin next week.
“This sort of hillside open-cut coal mining below scenic cliff lines is unprecedented,” Colong Foundation for Wilderness director Keith Muir said.
Coalpac CEO Dr Ian Follington warned power prices could rise and the company faced a bleak future if the proposal was not approved.