Why Meander Valley Residents Should Be Wary of ABx’s Proposed Bauxite Mine

Meander Valley residents have every right to be concerned about the proposed ABx bauxite mine in Reedy Marsh, given the company's troubling history at Bald Hill. Despite bold promises of job creation, royalties, and economic boosts, ABx has consistently underdelivered.

At Bald Hill, ABx pledged up to 180 jobs, millions in royalties, and profits for Tasrail.

Image © The Examiner - August 10 2020

Instead, no full-time jobs were created, no royalties were paid, and Tasrail faced a $2.48 million loss.

Additionally, the mine has failed to sell any metallurgical-grade bauxite as originally intended, instead sporadically selling low-value product for prime agricultural use.

Tasmania government has also seen no financial benefits, with ABx exploiting a legal loophole where the royalties went to the go to landowner, not the government. Investors have suffered as well, with share prices plummeting and no dividends paid since 2009.

Given this history of broken promises and financial disappointment, Meander Valley residents have very valid concerns about ABx’s optimistic projections for their proposed Reedy Marsh mine. The company’s track record suggests they may once again fail to deliver, leaving the valley and residents to bear the environmental and economic costs without any substantial benefits.

People of the Valley must voice their concerns loud and clear.

"The Meander Valley Council must demand greater accountability and independent peered reviewed science, using current baseline data on water, air and soil quality before even considering Abx’s mining proposal. "

Reedy Marsh Resident's Voices

For those of us who have chosen to live in the peaceful, healthy environment of Reedy Marsh, the proposed bauxite mine threatens everything we value. Our family has invested in 6.5 hectares of land on the Meander River, dedicating 75% of it to wildlife conservation. We chose this area for its tranquillity, natural beauty, and supportive community. If Meander Valley Council approves the proposed bauxite mine, all of this will be at risk—our investment, our health, and our way of living, our life dreams.

Our Water

Those of us in Reedy Marsh rely entirely on rainwater for drinking and growing our vegetables, the risks are alarming. If this mine goes ahead, our water tanks will be filled with rainwater contaminated by bauxite dust. Our vegetables will be polluted, making them dangerous to eat—for both us and the wildlife that shares our gardens. The health implications are shocking and unacceptable. Bauxite mining doesn’t just harm wildlife—it endangers human health as well. Dust from bauxite mines is known to contain radioactive elements like radium and thorium, which are harmful to both the environment and people. Long-term exposure to these elements can cause cancer and other serious health issues. If high-aluminum concentration of heavy metals in sediments are deposited in the water, it will further dissolve and deposit into fish and benthic creatures.

Our Wildlife

The endangered Wedge-tailed Eagles, with fewer than 1,000 individuals left in the wild, are among the species that stand to lose the most. These magnificent birds are extremely sensitive to disturbances from machinery, habitat destruction, and pollution. The environmental consultants themselves acknowledged in their report that a more thorough survey of the area is needed to understand the full impact on these eagles. Yet, despite the lack of proper study, the project continues to move forward. Other endangered species, such as the Tasmanian Devil and the Spotted Quoll, roam freely across the countryside, and their habitat is also at risk. While we have protected a large portion of our property for these animals, their survival depends on the surrounding environment remaining intact. We cannot allow this bauxite mine to destroy the homes of these creatures. The wildlife in Reedy Marsh is part of what makes this place special—not only to us but to future generations. The irreversible damage to their habitat from machinery, land clearing, and toxic dust would be a tragedy for Tasmania’s biodiversity.

Our River

The Meander River, which borders our property, is another victim of this proposed mine. Toxic chemicals from bauxite mining will leach into the river, damaging the ecosystem and potentially wiping out fish populations. The harmful effects of bauxite dust on marine life are well-documented in places like Malaysia, where entire ecosystems have been devastated. If this mine goes ahead, we risk creating a "dead zone" in our own backyard, where fish, birds, and other wildlife can no longer survive.

Our Call for Action

This mine is not just a development—it’s a direct threat to everything we cherish in Reedy Marsh. Our peaceful lifestyle, our wildlife, our health, and our community are all at stake. We moved here to escape exactly these kinds of industrial risks, and it is inconceivable that Meander Valley Council would approve such a project given the dangers it poses. We strongly urge the Council to reject this proposal and, at the very least, to commission an independent and thorough wildlife survey before any decisions are made. Additionally, if the mine is approved, we recommend extending Deloraine’s town water supply to Reedy Marsh to mitigate the potential health risks posed by contaminated rainwater. This is our home. It’s worth protecting

MINE WATCH - MEANDER VALLEY

Why Meander Valley Residents Should Be Wary of ABx’s Proposed Bauxite Mine

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