Politics mires Fox mine approval process

The approvals process for a mining development north-west of Bundaberg has become mired in politics. Perth-based Fox Resources has applied for a mineral licence development lease (MDL3040) as part of the development towards an underground coking coal mine north of Bundaberg. At this stage, the company said it was seeking to drill five bore holes for exploration purposes and conduct technical studies. State Development Minister Grace Grace has assumed responsibility over the decision. State Development and Infrastructure Minister Grace Grace. Resources Minister Scott Stewart sought advice from the integrity commissioner who advised he delegate the decision. Mr Stewart’s office said, ‘following correspondence from Fox Coal alleging Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart could not be impartial in making a decision on whether the mineral development licence should be granted, Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace assumed responsibility for giving a preliminary view.’ Ms Grace made a written comment that her preliminary view was that the application was not in the public interest. Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett stretched the truth by saying on social media, ‘The Fox Coal MDL3040 application has been declared NOT in the public interest.’ Main image: Bundaberg hinterland “But Minister Stewart has passed the buck with the final decision now pushed out past the election,” Mr Bennett said. Resources Minister Scott Stewart. “Minister Grace has given Fox until the 15th of November to provide another submission. The incompetence of this government is astounding. “They are so afraid of the election results that our community is now being forced to wait until the next term of government for a final decision. We are sick and tired of the merry-go-round of excuses. The region deserves so much better.” The Bundaberg Regional Council has distanced itself from the issue saying the application was made to the State Government. Bundaberg Region Mayor Helen Blackburn gave her personal view that the development application was not in the public interest. “I’m not opposed to mining at all, but my concern is for the preservation of our prime agricultural land and the farming industry, which is so vital to our local economy,” Cr Blackburn said. The company’s proposed activities had minimal impact and would be conducted in accordance with the highest environmental and regulatory standards, Fox Resources said. Fox Resources would review both the grounds for Ms Grace’s ‘preliminary view’ on the MDL 3040 application and what additional information could be provided to the Department of Resources, Fox Resources executive director Bruce Garlick said. “We will consult the Bundaberg Regional Reference Group (RRG) established by Fox Resources in making any further submission. The RRG comprises representatives of local agricultural, business, First Nations, labour and water sectors.” Fox Resources is an unlisted exploration company based in Western Australia. Fox owns 50 per cent of a 64Mt indicated resource and 83Mt inferred resource of the high-grade coking coal project near Bundaberg. The economic benefits included 200 jobs, 20 apprenticeship and $45 million injection into the supply chain, the company said.

Politics mires Fox mine approval process

Industry Queensland

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