The environmental organization Forest & Bird has called for rejection of Bathurst Resources' fast-track application for a major open-pit coal mine on Denniston Plateau. The group contends that "the application lacks critical information regarding the project's environmental impacts."
The proposed expansion could affect approximately 1,250 hectares. A primary concern involves the Avatar moth, described as "a very rare species and nationally critically endangered" species found in the area.
The Environmental Protection Authority has suspended its decision timeline pending additional information. Forest & Bird warns that approving mining in this sensitive ecosystem could result in irreversible biodiversity loss. A fast-track expert panel will ultimately decide the matter after reviewing all environmental and economic considerations.
