LOCKING THE GATE… Speakers at a recent meeting of farmers to discuss mining’s potential impacts on Yorke Peninsula, and Yorke Peninsula Land Owners’ Group members, Graham Mattschoss, Brenton Davey, Joy Wundersitz, Family First MLC Robert Brokenshire, Elden Oster, Stewart Lodge, Lauren Kakoschke, Peter Klopp and Stephen Lodge.
MINERAL exploration companies are having more difficulty than ever accessing Yorke Peninsula farmland for drilling as landowners become increasingly wary of mining.
Companies are going to unusual lengths to satisfy landholder demands, and at least one explorer was unable to search for mineralisation after last harvest.
Yorke Peninsula Land Owners’ Group opposes Rex Minerals’ Hillside project, near Pine Point, and is spreading the message about farmers’ rights.
Members spoke to roughly 70 people about northern YP exploration projects in Paskeville last month.
Attendees were warned any exploration could lead to full-scale mining, as is proposed at Hillside, and told not to allow exploration on their properties without careful consideration.
“Most of the attention has been dedicated to Rex Minerals but they are really just the first cab off the rank if they get going,” YPLOG representative Joy Wundersitz said.
Farmers must sign waivers to allow explorers onto their land. Speakers encouraged people to first seek legal advice, and ensure any agreement has an expiry date.
“Don’t sign the waiver, just say no,” speaker Brenton Davey urged.
Family First MLC Robert Brokenshire attended and said he was working to bolster rightto-farm legislation, whilst pushing for a mining ombudsman.
Marmota Energy is looking for copper on NYP but could not drill at all between harvest and seeding, usually the ideal time to avoid disrupting farmers.
Managing director David Williams said farmers who had previously allowed Marmota onto their properties were now opposed, likely due to the influence of YPLOG and others.
“We are finding it a lot more difficult,” Mr Williams said.
Mr Williams said the likelihood of a discovery leading to a mine was slim but, if companies couldn’t find out what was on certain farms, the curiosity would always remain.
“Even if a company gives up and says it’s too difficult, the next company will come along,” he said.
Farmers who refuse to sign waivers can be taken to court. Mr Williams believes companies would then be granted access and indicated such a step may be worth it, if necessary.
Marmota will again try to explore its lease area, in the Melton region, after this year’s harvest.
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