A key mining project in South Australia, potentially one of the biggest since BHP’s Olympic Dam, faces an uncertain future due to Indigenous heritage concerns. Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek is being urged to invoke federal heritage protection laws that could block exploration activities in the Lake Torrens region, halting what is seen as a highly prospective copper and uranium find.
This comes after a report, stemming from a 2021 Section 10 application under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act, recommended the declaration of a heritage order for parts of Lake Torrens. Such a move would override state approvals granted to Orpheus Uranium, the company behind the exploration project, which has already invested millions in developing the site.
Significant Resource Discovery at Stake
Orpheus Uranium’s Murdie project holds substantial potential for copper, uranium, and gold deposits, which the company claims could match the scale of BHP’s Olympic Dam. The region has been under exploration following approvals by the South Australian government, and the project is seen as vital for the state’s economic development, particularly in the resources sector.
The federal heritage order, if enacted, would prevent all future exploration, potentially leading to significant economic and legal implications. Orpheus Chairman Mick Billing has expressed concern over the broad impact such a decision would have, not only on his company but also on future resource projects in South Australia.
Heritage vs. Development: Industry Pushback
While Indigenous heritage protections are vital, the mining sector is calling for more transparency and streamlined processes. Industry leaders argue that late-stage interventions, like the potential Section 10 declaration on Lake Torrens, create uncertainty and deter investment. Warren Pearce, CEO of the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies, criticised the regulatory hurdles as excessive, pointing out that Orpheus had followed all due legal processes and obtained state-level approvals.
The sector has expressed frustration over the lack of clarity, noting that Orpheus Uranium is facing delays after enduring multiple court battles, including a successful Supreme Court appeal. Many in the mining and energy sectors believe that, while cultural heritage should be preserved, there must also be a balance that allows for responsible resource development, particularly in regions with immense economic potential.
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