The serene waters of the Clarence River winding through lush landscapes.

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of New South Wales, Australia, the Clarence River stands as a beacon of natural beauty and ecological diversity. Stretching over 400km, it is one of the largest rivers on the eastern seaboard, carving its way through valleys, rainforests, and fertile plains.
The river is not just a geographical feature; it's the lifeblood of the region, supporting a myriad of ecosystems and communities. However, beneath its tranquil surface and the rolling hills that embrace it, shadows loom—specifically, the shadows cast by mining activities in the area, such as those undertaken by Corazon Mining at Mt Gilmore.

The Unique Environment of the Clarence River

Biodiversity Hotspot

The Clarence River basin is a biodiversity hotspot teeming with life. Its waters and surrounding habitats are home to numerous species, some of which are endemic and others that are endangered. From the delicate Eastern Freshwater Cod to the playful platypus, the river supports an intricate web of aquatic and terrestrial life.

• Aquatic Life - The river's clean waters provide an ideal environment for fish species, crustaceans, and aquatic plants. Fishing communities thrive along its banks, relying on the abundance of species like bass and perch.
• Birdlife - The riparian zones are havens for birdwatchers. Species such as the Azure Kingfisher, White-bellied Sea Eagle, and various parrots can be spotted.
• Flora - The riverbanks and surrounding areas boast rich vegetation, including ancient rainforests, eucalyptus woodlands, and wetlands that play crucial roles in carbon sequestration and soil conservation.

Economic Lifeline

Beyond its environmental and cultural value, the river is an economic powerhouse. It supports agriculture, particularly sugarcane and dairy farming, and is pivotal for tourism. Activities like boating, fishing, and surfing where it meets the sea attract visitors from around the globe, bolstering the local economy.

The Shadows of Mining

A Glimpse into Mt Gilmore

Mt Gilmore, located within the Clarence River catchment area, is a region rich in mineral deposits, particularly cobalt, copper, and gold. Its geological composition has attracted mining interests over the years, with Corazon Mining being a notable player in recent times.

Corazon Mining's Recent Divestments and Renewed Focus on Mt Gilmore

Recently, Corazon Mining has strategically refocused its efforts on the Mt Gilmore project. Recognising the significant potential of this site, the company has allocated more resources towards exploration and development activities in the area.

In their 2023 Annual Report, Corazon Mining announced the divestment of certain non core assets to concentrate on Mt Gilmore's promising cobalt copper gold prospects. 

"The divestment allows us to streamline our operations and dedicate our expertise to the Mt Gilmore Project, which we believe holds substantial potential for significant discoveries."
— Corazon Mining CEO, 2023 Annual Report

The company's intensified focus on Mt Gilmore aligns with the global surge in demand for cobalt, driven by its essential role in battery technology for electric vehicles and energy storage solutions.

Environmental Impact of Open Cut Mining

• Habitat Destruction: Large areas of land are cleared, leading to the loss of flora and fauna habitats.
• Soil Erosion: The removal of vegetation exposes soil to erosion, which can lead to sedimentation in waterways.
• Visual Impact: Open pits can alter the landscape dramatically, affecting the natural aesthetics of the region.

Tailings Dams and the Risk of Failure During High Floods

Mining operations often produce tailings—waste materials left after the extraction of valuable minerals. These tailings are typically stored in dams. However, tailings dams pose environmental risks, especially in regions prone to heavy rainfall and flooding, like the Clarence River basin.

• Contamination Risks - Tailings can contain toxic substances such as heavy metals and chemicals used in processing ore. If a dam fails, these contaminants can be released into the environment.

• Dam Failure During Floods - High rainfall and flooding can overwhelm tailings dams, increasing the risk of structural failure. Such incidents can lead to widespread environmental disasters.

• Impact on Waterways - A breach can result in pollutants entering rivers and streams, harming aquatic life and contaminating water supplies for communities downstream.

Imagine Open Cutting Mt Gilmore

If Mt Gilmore were to undergo open cut mining, similar environmental impacts could occur, but with heightened risks due to its proximity to the Clarence River. 

The large scale removal of vegetation and soil could exacerbate erosion, leading to increased sediment and pollutants entering the river system, particularly during heavy rainfall and floods. 

The construction of tailings dams introduces the risk of dam failure during extreme weather events, which could release toxic mine waste into the Clarence River. 

Such an event would have devastating consequences for the river's biodiversity, water quality, and the communities that rely on it for their livelihoods. Therefore, the potential open-cut mining at Mt Gilmore raises significant environmental concerns that mirror, and may even surpass, those observed in other mining regions.

(Left: Mt. Gilmore, Clarence Valley today. Right: Springvale Open Cut Coal mine)

Environmental Concerns

While the pursuit of minerals like cobalt is linked to green technologies, mining activities pose significant environmental risks, especially in ecologically sensitive areas like the Clarence River basin.

• Habitat Disruption - Mining operations can lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and the destruction of habitats for flora and fauna.
• Water Pollution - There is a risk of contaminants entering waterways, which can affect aquatic life and the quality of water for communities downstream.

Balancing Development and Conservation

The situation at Mt Gilmore highlights the broader challenge of balancing economic development with environmental conservation. While there is a need for resources that drive technological advancement, it is crucial to consider the long term impacts on ecosystems and communities.

Sustainable Practices

Advocates suggest that if mining is to occur, it must be conducted with the highest environmental standards:

• Strict Regulation Compliance -  Ensuring all activities meet or exceed environmental regulations, that extends to no mining within 50km of a water source
• Community Engagement - Involving local and Indigenous communities in decision making processes.
• Rehabilitation Plans - Implementing strategies to restore mined areas post-extraction.

The Clarence River is more than just a river; it's a symbol of life, diversity, and the interconnectedness of ecosystems and human communities. 

As mining interests like those at Mt Gilmore emerge, it is imperative to approach development with caution, respect, and a commitment to preserving the natural wonders that define regions like the Clarence River basin.

Protecting the river and its surroundings ensures that future generations can continue to experience its beauty and bounty. It is a collective responsibility to safeguard the environment while thoughtfully considering the implications of our pursuit of progress.

References

1. Corazon Mining Limited Annual Reports: Corazon Mining Investor Centre
2. Clarence Environment Centre: Clarence Environment Centre on Mt Gilmore Mining
3. ASX Announcements - Corazon Mining: ASX Announcements