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AN independent report has criticised Mandalay Resources and the governmental response to community health concerns at the Costerfield gold-antimony mine.
A report commissioned by the state government and completed by RM Consulting Group, released on Tuesday, found a lack of consultation when the issue was first raised left a “vaccuum in which uncertainty and frustration have grown”.
Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio sent a letter to all Costerfield residents outlining the issues found in the report.
She said the state government will extend the consulting businesses engagement in the area.
“As an immediate action, I have extended RM Consulting Group’s engagement with a focus on driving progress in the areas of primary concern,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
“(These include) minimising dust from the crusher and ensuring that the health assessment results are appropriately communicated to local residents.”
The letter invited residents to comment on the report, with Ms D’Ambrosio to consider community feedback and the report in changing regulatory practice.
In its conclusions, the report found the containment of dust from the mine needed to be addressed, along with “clear messages” about health effects of antimony and compensation for loss of land value.
Other findings included the need for greater management of dust on roads, conforming to agreed environmental controls at Splitters Creek and trust in the environmental effects of groundwater pumping.
A survey of 36 Costerfield residents found 53 per cent of residents were at least “unhappy with the processes” at the mine, including 14 per cent who showed “extreme frustration and anger”.
Thirty-six per cent – or 13 residents – had no concern with the process.
The report accepted Mandalay Resources inherited a “legacy of community discontent” when it took over from AGD Operations in 2009.
The report recommended offering “ongoing mediation” to residents who had long-term concerns about the mine, and the appointment of a community advocate.
It found secondary concerns needed addressing, before primary concerns were tackled – including additional measures to minimise dust from the site.
The report stated measure may already be adequate, but these measures had not been appropriately communicated to residents.
“Although a number of measures have been taken, the community is not convinced these measures are effective,” the report stated.
“This could be either because the community was not engaged, or the measures are not effective.”
A previous report – commissioned by the former state government – found antimony levels were “well below” the safe limit for lifetime exposure set by the World Health Organisation.