When a mining company wanted to engage in site development, it obtained the proper certification from the Australian government. The problem is that the bureaucrats in the government did NOT properly engage in ‘Due Diligence’; this, in assessing the effects of the intended actions of the mining company applicant. Negligently, they approved its permit. The explosives detonated, during site development, collapsed the Aborigines sacred caves; artifacts were destroyed. Unfortunately, 46,000 years of culture went up in smoke, due to the explosives’ forces. .
It appears that the Federal Government of Australia is re-thinking the entire Permit Process on Indigenous lands; this is good. Another large mining company, apparently understood the tragedy of the damage due to ‘Bureaucrat Inefficiency’ and lack of cultural cognizance. This new applicant must now carefully proceed with its intended mining activities. Since mining companies want to engage in resources extractions, with NO intentions of destroying cultures, they ALL must heed the opinions of those who own the land; this, if they want to mine successfully therein.
We love mining and understand the arduous nature of this ‘beast’; one which can be very unforgiving to those ‘plying the ground [above or below]’. It is our opinions that in evaluating a possible site, beyond the topography, core and seismic evaluations, mining executives MUST consider: the flora, fauna, and “Occupant Culture”. That which existed and/or exists, must be entered into the investment equation. This, even if it adds expenses to a potential operation.
Land remediation should also be duly costed into a potential project. It behooves EVERY mining operation to leave a mine site similar to what it was, before even core samples were obtained. Good “Community Will’ is priceless for a successful business. The smell of a bad reputation exceeds the location of the ‘business corpse’.
Reality: There is NO substitute for Integrity, an asset which can only be earned, never purchased.