Residents oppose exploration drilling
October 13th, 2008 - Posted in UncategorizedA WEST Australian mining company plans to explore for coal in a picturesque valley south of Hobart.
Spitfire Resources is seeking approval from the Tasmanian Government to investigate the mining potential of a large area across Kaoota and Sandfly.
The plans have alarmed some residents who are concerned pollution caused by coal mining would degrade the natural character of the area.
Although Spitfire will not comment on the nature of the planned exploration until after plans are approved, the company has told shareholders it wants to “move promptly” on an extensive exploration drilling program in Tasmania this year.
Kaoota resident Steven Chaffer is concerned locals would be adversely affected by noise pollution, atmospheric pollution, landscape degradation and increases in heavy traffic.
“Given that many residents live in this area to enjoy its natural values, it’s unreasonable to degrade these values with a coal mine,” he said.
Mr Chaffer, who has a Conservation Covenant on his 150ha Kaoota property, said he was particularly concerned about any increase in heavy traffic.
He said the only sealed road into Kaoota, Pelverata Rd, was narrow, steep and winding.
Another Kaoota land owner is concerned coal exploration could threaten the water source for his burgeoning spring water business.
Stephen Dolliver said even exploratory drilling could affect his bottled water business.
Mr Dolliver’s 25ha property has a hilltop spring which pours out 30 litres of water every minute and plans are afoot for major expansions, with a water bottling plant currently being built on the property.
“I am going into this in a significant way and obviously I don’t want anything to interfere with my water source,” said Mr Dolliver, who has formally objected to Spitfire’s plans.
Mr Chaffer said the Kaoota area was part of the catchment of two river systems, the Huon and North West Bay rivers, which could also be threatened by mining.
In a release to the Australian Stock Exchange from June this year, Spitfire describes the Tasmanian projects as “highly prospective”.
The Kaoota coal project covers a 42km2 area. Kaoota has a history of small-scale coal mining, with intermittent mining between 1881 and 1971.
The mining tenement applications are awaiting approval before the Tasmanian Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources.
Spitfire Resources managing director James Hamilton said he would like to start work as quickly as possible, if approval were granted.
