Mining company LD Operations has urged the Western Australian Government to conduct further extensive studies into the environmental impact of the group’s proposed Margaret River coal mining site.

 

The appeal to WA Environment Minister Bill Marmion comes as the Environmental Protection Authority recommended against LD Operation’s proposed underground mine in March. The mine would involve excavation of tunnels under around 1200 hectares of land.

 

The mine is expected to yield up to 1.5 million tonnes of coal per annum over 20 years. Mine infrastructure would include road voids, a network of conveyors to the surface, surge bin, two water dams, mine pump-out water facility, enclosed conveyors, land bridges workshop and truck loops.

 

The proposal has been the target of community protests.