Greater transparency needed for WPA
News Release |
Hon Paul HollowayMinister for Mineral Resources Development |
Wednesday, 23 September 2009
Minister for Mineral Resources Development Paul Holloway said today he was concerned by reports the Department of Defence has decided not to support an application by the Hawks Nest iron ore mine for foreign investment approval.
Mr Holloway says the South Australian Government believes it is possible for the Department of Defence and mining companies such as Western Plains Resources to reach a mutually agreed risk management approach to operating within the Woomera Prohibited Area.
“The Rann Labor Government has worked hard in the past seven and a half years to establish South Australia’s international reputation as a relatively risk-free destination for investment in the resources sector,” he says.
“We will be seeking for the Department of Defence to return to the negotiating table with Western Plains Resources with a view to resolving these issues relating to Hawks Nest.”
“The South Australian Government believes greater certainty for investors could be easily achieved if a framework of acceptable practices were adopted that allow defence operations and mining to co-exist in this highly prospective area.
“The continuing development of mining operations will be a key factor in the future prosperity of this State.”
Mr Holloway pointed out the WPA covers some 127,000 square kilometres, or some 13% of South Australia, in which there are now more than 120 active exploration leases and two successfully operating mines at Challenger and Prominent Hill.
“It is unacceptable and certainly not in the national interest for an area of this size with some of the most prospective land in the world to be quarantined from mining operations,” he says.
- Page URL: http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/minerals/press_and_events/news_releases/greater_transparency_needed_for_wpa
- Page Last Modified: November 15, 2011