Regis Resources Challenges Aboriginal Heritage Decision Halting McPhillamys Goldmine

Regis Resources, the mining company proposing the McPhillamys gold project in New South Wales, has initiated legal proceedings seeking a judicial review of an Aboriginal heritage declaration made by Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek. This declaration, which was enacted last August, prevents the construction of a tailings dam due to concerns over irreversible damage to Aboriginal cultural heritage, as highlighted by local elder Aunty Nyree Reynolds. The company argues that the decision renders the $996 million project unviable and that the order was 'legally invalid.' Furthermore, they are seeking costs and a declaration to have the case redetermined by another minister. The declaration was based on concerns that the tailings dam would threaten water quality and sever connections to the area for the Wiradjuri people, leading to significant loss of cultural heritage. Meanwhile, the local Aboriginal Land Council has voiced opposition toward the application process, claiming that heritage protection responsibilities lie with local councils rather than external entities.