Mining suspended in victory for Arkaroola

Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary

In a major victory for the campaign to protect the internationally significant Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary in South Australia from mining, SA Premier Mike Rann announced on Tuesday 12 February 2008 that the Government is suspending drilling operations at Mount Gee indefinitely.

Mt Gee, in the heart of the Sanctuary, has been undergoing drilling operations by Marathon Resources, which has been under scrutiny by The Wilderness Society for its drilling operations in the area for the past six months.

The Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, in the Northern Flinders Ranges, is one of the most significant conservation areas in South Australia, particularly in terms of its geological heritage.

It is an Environmental Class A Zone, which means that activity such as mining must be of paramount significance and in the national interest to proceed. It is also an award-winning tourist attraction.

Mt Gee, in the heart of the Sanctuary, is also a Geological Monument, listed on the Register for the National Estate.

The Wilderness Society SA's Campaign Manager, Peter Owen said on the day of the suspension, “Today’s announcement is welcome news, and an acknowledgement of the importance of the area. But ultimately the issue is not Marathon’s 'cowboy' behaviour, but the fact that some places, like Arkaroola, are simply too precious to mine.”

The announcement creates an opportunity to permanently protect areas of high conservation value in the area.

The Wilderness Society is calling on the SA Government to ban all mining activity in the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary.

Read the media release: Adios to 'cowboy' miner: SA Government congratulated on stopping mining in Arkaroola