Labor minister faces backlash over Indigenous heritage order for NSW gold mine

In mid-August, the Environment Minister issued an Indigenous heritage protection order that rejected the proposed site for a tailings dam at a $1 billion gold mine in New South Wales. This decision came despite the NSW Independent Planning Commission's approval of the mine in March 2023, which included consultations with the Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council. Critics, including former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce, labeled the ruling as 'nonsensical' and argued it jeopardizes economic opportunities for local communities. Tanya Plibersek, the Labor minister, defended her decision by stating that the company could explore alternative locations for the tailings dam within the 2,500-hectare site. She emphasized that the company had already considered multiple sites and designs, suggesting that if the mine holds significant value, it is in their interest to find a suitable location. Joyce countered that arbitrary decisions threaten economic prosperity and seem to favor pressure groups over local community benefits. Regis Resources, the company behind the mine, expressed that the order rendered the project unviable, as alternative sites also fell under the exclusion area. The executives have been in discussions with various NSW government ministers to explore potential solutions. They indicated that the lengthy approval process could extend the timeline for the project by five to ten years, further complicating the situation. The ongoing debate highlights the tension between environmental protection and economic development, particularly in regions with significant Indigenous heritage. As stakeholders continue to navigate these challenges, the future of the gold mine remains uncertain, with both economic and cultural implications at stake.