Shree Minerals’ unlawful actions remain unprosecuted.

Why is Shree Minerals a protected species?

Shree Minerals’ unlawful clearing of 5 hectares within a protected area remains unprosecuted despite two months since the Commonwealth Department of Environment, Water Sustainability and Population became aware of this action.

The clearing was conducted outside of the permits current at that time (and since set aside).

The then permits required Shree Minerals’ to submit decommissioning and mine closure plans to the Minister prior to any commencement of work on the site. The company had failed to do this, and had requested on two occasions that the Commonwealth waive that condition.

“There is no doubt that Shree Minerals were aware that they were acting unlawfully, and that the Commonwealth has been aware of this for two months and yet we see no prosecution,” said Save the Tarkine Campaign Coordinator, Scott Jordan.

“Why are Shree Minerals being treated as the protected species?”

“Even if the court hadn’t overturned the approvals, this action was still outside of the permit conditions and clearly unlawful”.

Under section 18.3 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, the penalty is a maximum of $8.5million for a body corporate (50,000 penalty units).

Scott Jordan, Campaign Coordinator, Save the Tarkine