Community representatives chosen for project committee

EIGHT local community representatives have been appointed members of Australian Rare Earths’ (AR3) Koppamurra Project Community Consultation Committee (CCC).

This marks the beginning of formal consultation on the proposed rare earths mine as the exploration company moves towards a Mining Licence application.

The eight members represent a diverse group of stakeholders from within agricultural, land, forestry, wine industry, council, local business, regional development and the Limestone Coast Sustainable Futures Association.

The Koppamurra Project is one of the most advanced ionic clay rare earths projects in Australia. The proposed Mining Lease covers 20km² in South Australia with only a portion of this area expected to be mined.

Former South Australian Government Minister Iain Evans has been appointed Chair of the independent committee. He has written a Terms of Reference and Code of Conduct.

The eight local community representatives who make up the CCC include:

• Ken Turner – Landholder

• Todd Woodard – Limestone Coast Sustainable Futures Association

• Patrick Ross – Mayor, Naracoorte Council

• Tony Wright – Green Triangle Forestry

• Steve Bourne – Limestone Coast Landscape Board

• Will Malone – Limestone Coast Grape and Wine Council

• Erika Vickery – Regional Development Association

• Darren Turner – Business

AR3 Managing Director Travis Beinke will also sit on the CCC. A representative of the Department for Energy and Mining as well as Rural Support – Landowner Information Services will attend meetings in an advisory capacity.

The committee will hold meetings quarterly, with the first taking place on September 30.

“CCC members are the voice of the stakeholder groups they represent and I’m pleased we have recruited diverse representation,” said CCC Chair Iain Evans.

“This is the beginning of a constructive, formalised dialogue between AR3 and key stakeholders. Members will be able to ask questions and raise concerns from those they represent which will be addressed through the CCC process.

“Each member has affirmed their commitment to this independent process and our first meeting went well with members hearing the latest update on the project from AR3 and raising issues they would like further information on in future meetings.

“Members understand the responsibility they have in what will be a respectful conversation about the issues surrounding the proposed rare earths mine and I’m confident this will be a highly informative exercise for all.”

Naracoorte Lucindale Mayor Patrick Ross said he’ll consider all information that comes to the CCC through the lens of what it means for ratepayers and local government assets, including roads.

“I’m approaching the CCC with an open mind. I have absolute confidence, as can the community, that the Committee will ensure all aspects of the proposed rare earths mine are fully investigated including social, environmental and economic considerations. The Koppamurra Project has many requirements it must address but it is also the responsibility of local Government to consider any proposal fully, including opportunities for increased economic activity.”

AR3 Managing Director Travis Beinke said he was looking forward to sharing updates with the group as AR3 embarks on a pre-feasibility study and moves towards finalising the Mine Plan.

“AR3 remains committed to meaningful consultation as we progress to the next stage of the Koppamurra Project. This is a journey we began with the local community four years ago and we are pleased to be formalising this conversation with key representatives of the community,” said Mr Beinke.

“Feedback we receive from members will inform our processes and plans as well as the focus of our studies.

“AR3 will lodge an application to mine only once we are satisfied we can operate in an environmentally sustainable and economically viable way. We are confident that we can do this.”

You can learn more about the CCC by visiting: https://ar3.com.au/koppamurra-community-consultative-committee