Cowboy Miner allowed back into saddle of Wilderness Sanctuary

The Wilderness Society (South Australia) Inc
Media Release
3 December 2009

The Wilderness Society is shocked at the recent Rann Government decision to allow mining company Marathon Resources back in the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary.

Last year the Premier kicked the company out of Arkaroola when it was discovered that they had illegally dumped a large volume of radio-active waste in a variety of locations throughout the Sanctuary.

Not only has the Government allowed the mining company back in, but they have released a document, currently open for public comment, titled “Seeking a Balance” which attempts to entrench mining in this special part of South Australia.

Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary is an iconic tourism destination. It is a prime example of how tourism can exist and be profitable without compromising the natural values of an area. The owners of Arkaroola have been undertaking a best practice ecotourism venture for 40 years and are now having their livelihood threatened.

Marathon Resources has said that the mine will have a life expectancy of no more than 13 years. But the effects of the mining would last much longer, and could have disastrous effects on the sustainable ecotourism venture.

This spectacular part of the Northern Flinders Ranges is one of the most significant conservation areas in South Australia. It is an Environmental Class A Zone, which means that the area has outstanding scenic and environmental values- under the Development Act activities such as mining must be of paramount significance and in the national interest to proceed. 

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

Some places are just too precious to mine... Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary is one of them.