McArthur mine contamination concerns

摘要

Decontamination of the McArthur river mine in Australia's Northern Territory could cost upwards of AUS$1bln, according to a Mineral Policy Institute report. The McArthur deposit in the gulf of Carpentaria is one of the world's largest lead, zinc, and silver resources, but concerns have been raised about acid mine damage, waste rock, tailings, and water management, especially relating to smoke that seen billowing from the waste rock. According to the report: "Concern about-and opposition to the mine has continued, with spikes of resistance occurring in relation to the river diversion, the 'burning waste dump', potential contamination of the river, fish, and grazing cows, pollution issues at the Bing Bong Port, and the inaccessibility of cultural sites on the mining lease."