Bauxite miner lodges exploration licence

By Rashelle Predovnik

THE REACH of mining across Toodyay is quietly tightening its grip on the region, with a new exploration licence request now lodged by a bauxite mining company.

The application came to light after Dewars Pool resident Ronald Witt received an unexpected letter informing him that a section of his property falls within the boundary of Exploration Licence Application E70/6701.
It was signed by a geologist and written to comply with a legal requirement, under the Mining Act, to inform landowners about exploration plans that affected their land.

The letter unearthed the possibility Mr Witt’s property could be the next target for mining companies seeking to dig into Toodyay’s irreplaceable landscapes.

He said it beggared belief that his idyllic life on a tranquil 95-acre bush block, on Bindoon Dewars Rd, was earmarked for excavation and industrial disruption.

Much to Mr Witt’s relief, the exploration licence lodged by the geologist in February was officially withdrawn on April 8.

But that relief was short-lived.