4 October 2011
The Editor
Lithgow Mercury101 Main Street
LITHGOW NSW 2790
Dear Sir/Madam
The decision to close operations at Baal Bone by Xstrata was purely based on financial reasons, not care for the environment or the fate of the 84 miners left unemployed.
The people of Lithgow and Australia need to realise that with about 83% of mining operations being owned by overseas companies that it is profits first and foremost. It’s wealthfare, not welfare.
Perhaps when world shortages demand that Baal Bone re-opens it will re-open. Perhaps when our dollars weakens against world currencies it will re-open. Perhaps when the government is totally at the mercy of foreign companies, and our need for export dollars is so great, then longwall mining will be permitted under our national parks.
Why would Xstrata give up something that will only increase in value and, when coupled with a future lower exchange rate for the Australian dollar, will only add further value to their nest egg.
I think it’s time Australians realise how little control we actually have over our natural resources.
Guy Sim
Vice President
Running Stream Water Users’ Association
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