Coal mine ‘fears’ for coastal forum

ERIN PEARSON
HEALTH fears have prompted a community group to call for a halt to expansion of Alcoa’s Anglesea coal mine, according to a spokesperson.
Anglesea Air Action’s Mike Lawrence said residents feared a lease renewal would allow a “dramatic expansion” of the open-cut mine, pushing it closer to homes.
The former Greens candidate said residents feared the mine would release contaminants including arsenic, mercury, fluorine, cadmium, lead, selenium and zinc into the air through coal combustion.
Alcoa has sought a 50-year lease renewal and expansion approval from State Government.
“In light of the increasing costs of pollution, the broad-scale environmental repercussions and long-term community health risks, we’re confident coal mining is a thing of the past in our town,” Mr Lawrence said.
A public forum this month would air the group’s concerns.
“Environmental doctors” and other speakers would also attend, he said.
An Alcoa spokeswoman dismissed the claims.
She said the company had the right to mine the area for 100 years but had voluntarily elected to “modernise” the terms.
Claims of a “dramatic expansion” and health risks were also untrue, she said.
“Alcoa’s coal mine and power station has been part of the Anglesea community for over 40 years and is safe for employees and the neighbouring community.
“The air emissions from the power station satisfy national and Victorian EPA limits that are protective of health”.