Straddie Operations

Straddie seems to be in the news a lot, and not for good reasons. I would love to go over there at some stage and see the mining operations, as well as the island. The mining there is of mineral sands, using a dredge. The CRL website does a great job of explaining it all, much better than I could.
http://www.consrutile.com.au/home/inner.asp?main=3&sub=18&page=18

Interesting to see the statements made in the protests against the sand mining operation.
“Ms Truman said the Enterprise mine on the southern part of the island was the deepest mine “ever”, with a 100m high face.” I’d like to see where these ‘facts’ come from.
http://discoverstraddie.com/2009/08/15/crl-are-you-serious/

Two seconds on Google brings up a Russian Mine (Mirna Diamond Mine), is over 600m deep. This is not even the deepest surface mine, let alone underground mine. I can’t find if it is even the deepest sand mine, besides which I don’t see the problem with depth, as long as it is properly managed.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/north-stradbroke-island-mine-rort-alleged/story-e6freoof-1225764046748
Another story has an opinion on the expired mining leases, but this seems to be the Government at fault, not the mining companies. They have applied to renew the leases, but the Government is yet to make a decision on whether or not to renew them. This definitely doesn't seem like a 'loophole' to me, just bureaucracy making sure the process is 'thorough and efficient'. I think anyone dealing with the Government will be aware of the time it takes to get things done.

Apparently (according to the protestors), mining leases cover 70% of the island. How is it fair to take this away from a company that has been paying (and quite a lot if it is like any other mining operation in Australia) for this right? Considering that they are the most environmentally conscious company I have heard of, I think they are at least entitled to a fair debate, but that never seems to happen between public perception and mining companies. I will agree where it is clear that mining companies do not do enough for the environment, but a fair debate needs to occur, not just one-sided from the protestors (who rarely research their facts).

Check out the CRL site to find out the lengths they go to for the environment. I know they do what they say, because the nesting boxes created a safety hazard for the workers who had to check and report on their use. They have since implemented the use of cameras on poles, which prevents the need for ladders on unstable surfaces, and surprises like snakes in the boxes.
http://www.consrutile.com.au/home/inner.asp?main=3&sub=35&page=35

Interesting sidenote, that Unimin Australia Limited (an Aust company) has acquired majority interest in CRL (as of last year).

These protestors aren’t doing themselves any favours either, considering the amount that many mining companies in Australia contribute to the community.
http://www.consrutile.com.au/home/inner.asp?main=2&sub=60&page=60

There has also been a lot of talk (and court cases) over CRL selling excess sand to the construction industry in particular. This might not seem to make sense, but basically when any mining is carried out, the previously compact waste and ore swells, and takes up more volume than it originally did. My understanding is that in order for CRL to achieve the same land profile, or even just to minimize the height of the dunes to make it safe, it needs to get rid of excess sand. To be honest, I think this is a smart move to sell the excess sand to another industry that needs it. More money in the company might mean more employees, greater pay, more money for the community or environment, who knows? I’m sure at least some will be accounted for as pure profit, but who knows?

Anyway, that's enough of my opinion, what's yours?