"Mineral exploration companies have been drilling into the stranded beach
ridges in the Murray Basin for economic concentrations of heavy minerals such as
rutile, zircon, and monazite, so far without success. Mineral sand exploration
leases were acquired for most of the Bookmark Biosphere Reserve during 1997-98.
All minerals are vested in the Crown, and Bookmark has no control over mining
activity occurring within the Biosphere Reserve (ANCA 1996)."
"Exploration for petroleum deposits about 30 years earlier resulted in
significant environmental damage from a track bulldozed through Gluepot and
neighbouring properties. No hydrocarbons were detected in wells that were
drilled in the area. There are several isolated gypsum deposits in the region,
some of which contain economic reserves of crystalline gypsum in old lake
floors, and finer grained gypsum in wind-deposited lunettes adjacent to the
lakes (Barnett 1996). There is mining of gypsum at Rotten Lake in the Bookmark
Biosphere Reserve, and parts of Gluepot Reserve have been surveyed for gypsum
deposits."
"Mineral exploration licenses were granted by the South Australian
Department of Mines and Energy in 1997 covering the eastern (DME 280/1997) and
western (DME 405/1997) portions of Gluepot Reserve and neighbouring properties.
The main focus of these mining interests is mineral-bearing sands. The actions
of the Bookmark Biosphere Trust and their solicitors have so far been successful
in having intact mallee, which is habitat for so many threatened species,
excluded from areas in the Biosphere Reserve to be explored for minerals from
the ground. A mineral exploration license for gypsum was granted decades ago,
but has now lapsed"
In view of SA's premier John Olsson's recent comments that he would consider
opening up the entire state for mining if this was recommended in a study that
is currently underway into the possible economic benefit of mining, I wouldn't
hold my breath that any past "promises" will be kept.
Cheers
