Global mining giant Rio Tinto has been caught forging a social licence to expand its mining operations, according to the Lock The Gate Alliance.

Workers at Rio's Mt Thorley Warkworth mine complex say they were effectively forced to lodge submissions in support of the mine's expansion, according to todays Newcastle Herald. The revelations are further evidence that due process is being abused and that Rio Tinto have no commitment to public consultation or the rule of law, according to the Alliance.

Lock The Gate Alliance and the Bulga Milbrodale Progress Association have written to the NSW Planning Minister, Brad Hazzard, urging him to suspend the approval process for a proposed new expansion of the controversial Warkworth coal mine in the Hunter Valley, due to evidence that due process is being abused.

In the joint letter sent yesterday, the groups outlined the “extraordinary and unprecedented” steps they say the NSW Planning Department is taking to fast-track the approval of a new application by Rio Tinto to expand the mine. The groups allege the Department is colluding with the mining company to deliberately shut out input into the process from local residents, experts, and public interest groups.

Those of you on Facebook might like to have a read of some of the personal stories from people in Dysart who are dealing with a shut-off of their water supply today on the group “Water - Dysart, Queensland. A place for people to discuss water issues.” 

Why is this relevant to the Galilee Basin? Well this is what can happen when you put your water supply in the hands of a mining company.

Coal port and gas plant approvals add insult to injury for landholders

The Lock the Gate Alliance today slammed the Federal Government approval of an additional coal terminal, and capital dredging program at Abbot Point coal terminal and an additional LNG plant and pipeline on Curtis Island.

“Just one month after Tony Abbott himself said that no one should have to live in a gas field, his government has approved a LNG plant that will export gas from the thriving agricultural community of Cecil Plains.” Said Lock the Gate Alliance Queensland Coordinator, Hannah Aulby

The Lock the Gate Alliance, partnering with the Environment Centre NT, has recently conducted community meetings and screenings of its latest movie “Fractured Country” in the Top End following invitations from concerned Territorians. Fractured Country provides a powerful summary of impacts to communities forced to live in unconventional gasfields.

“People were very surprised that they had not been made aware of the serious impacts of fracking in the NT, or that 90% of the Territory is covered by petroleum exploration applications,” said National Co-ordinator for Lock the Gate Alliance, Phil Laird.