Stop mining our drinking water catchments

Join us at the Department of Resources and Energy to call on the Government to suspend the activities of Wollongong Coal because they’re not fit to operate in New South Wales. 

Wollongong Coal have no money. Their shares are in a trading halt, and they have so much debt, and so little cash, they don’t have the financial capacity to comply with their obligations under the Mining Act. Which might be an acceptable risk if they were drilling exploratory bore holes, but this company is seeking approval to triple-seam mine under the catchment for Sydney’s drinking water. Something that has never been attempted before in Australia. 

In September last year, Ernst and Young questioned whether the company would be a ‘going concern’ in twelve months’ time. 

If they go ahead with the Underground Expansion Project for their Russell Vale mine, there is a real risk that water could start uncontrollably flowing from Cataract reservoir, which provides drinking water to Camden and Macarthur, into the mine working. It’s a dangerous and reckless proposal, and Wollongong Coal are not financially fit to attempt it, nor does the environmental and human rights record of their majority shareholder, Jindal Steel and Power make them fit to operate in sensitive environments.

The Department of Resources and Energy has the power to suspend Wollongong Coal’s activities. Given they’re out of money, we want to gather together to call on them to do that straight away and make the safety of Sydney’s drinking water the top priority.

Wednesday, July 22 at 9:00 am
Department of Resources and Energy Building
323 Castlereagh Street Sydney 
Near Belmore Park (short walk from Central Station)