THERE are some things which should be taken into account in mining of Julimar by Chalice Mining.
To extract the valuable metals from the deposits would require vast amounts of water to ‘float’ the minerals out of the slurry, with very toxic chemicals.
Where would they get the water?
From aquifers around Perth – a valuable source of drinking water for Perth?
Desalinated from the coast?
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The richness of the mineral deposits seems to be around 10 per cent of the ore to be extracted.
The sludge from the processing would be extremely toxic and would have to be securely dammed to prevent contamination of waterways and coastal aquifers.
There could possibly be court action from neighbouring properties for airborne pollution of their drinking water from their roofs.
Wildlife would have difficulty in suing the company.
Esperance had a problem a few years ago, with birds falling out of the sky because of lax handling of lead concentrates.
There is credence for the mining in that their minerals will help to decarbonise and ameliorate global warming.
In the business of removing carbon dioxide, the Julimar Conservation Park is doing a valuable job in this regard and will continue to do so regardless of the world’s monetary systems.
The most valuable mineral deposits seem to be on private land and could go ahead if the problems stated above are securely managed and enforced.
Chalice seems hell-bent on getting mining in Julimar Conservation Park, which is not their property and never should be.
I have lived next to Julimar Forest since 1996 and have been encouraged by the re-establishment of endangered species within.
Chalice could wipe out all this good work.
John White
Julimar
