http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/02/03/jackpots-all-round-for-nsw-mining-industry/ now with extra source Sun, 12 Feb 2012 03:29:14 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/02/03/jackpots-all-round-for-nsw-mining-industry/#comment-2601 Caroline Graham Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000 #comment-2601 So, Ian Macdonald, Minister for Mineral Resources, is to appoint an "expert panel" of "independents" to oversee the allocation of 13 mining exploration licences in NSW, where 19 rivers systems have so far suffered irrversible mine damage, with much more to come. Having analysed the composition of recent Panels created to oversee mining applications and issues, this latest Panel is expected to consist of the usual suspects - blokes who have multiple profitable connections and consultancies with the mining coprorations masquerading as "independents", or superannuated public servants and politicians with no expertise in mining whatosever. The Rivers SOS Alliance has lobbied for "cleanskins" - environmental and mining experts with no links to the corporations - to be appointed to such panels but we're not holding our breaths. So, Ian Macdonald, Minister for Mineral Resources, is to appoint an “expert panel” of “independents” to oversee the allocation of 13 mining exploration licences in NSW, where 19 rivers systems have so far suffered irrversible mine damage, with much more to come. Having analysed the composition of recent Panels created to oversee mining applications and issues, this latest Panel is expected to consist of the usual suspects - blokes who have multiple profitable connections and consultancies with the mining coprorations masquerading as “independents”, or superannuated public servants and politicians with no expertise in mining whatosever. The Rivers SOS Alliance has lobbied for “cleanskins” - environmental and mining experts with no links to the corporations - to be appointed to such panels but we’re not holding our breaths.

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