Argonaut Resources Fires Back at SA Gov Ruling on Torrens JV
Argonaut Resources, a junior Australian mining firm, has criticized the South Australian government for wasting its time and money over mining and native title regulation. The criticism came after the exploration license it was given for its Torrens Joint Venture was overturned.
The exploration license was overturned following an appeal in the South Australian Supreme Court over converting an area of 6,300 square km as an Aboriginal heritage site under the Aboriginal Heritage Act. The company thus lost all its approvals to proceed with mining and exploration activities.
Patrick Elliott the chairman of Argonaut Resources said that the ruling of the court had the potential to prevent any development in South Australia on land where Traditional Ownership can be asserted. He added that the rule eliminated intended Ministerial power. Mr Elliot added that they and their joint venture partners had wasted many years in the uncertain regulatory environment.
This is a blow for South Australia which is seen as a miner friendly state. The chair of the Andyamathanha Traditional Land Association, Vince Coulthard reiterated this when he said that the court’s decision did not block mining. He added that there was no legislation in Australia that provided the Aboriginal people with the veto of mining.
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Joel relocated to Australia in 1995 from the United Kingdom and spent five years working in the mining industry as an exploration geotechnician. His role involved utilizing GIS mapping and CAD software. Upon transitioning to the North Coast of NSW, Australia, Joel embarked on a career as a graphic designer at a well-known consultancy firm. Subsequently, he established a successful web services business catering to companies across the eastern seaboard of Australia. It was during this time that he conceived and launched News-Medical.Net. Joel has been an integral part of AZoNetwork since its inception in 2000. Joel possesses a keen interest in exploring the boundaries of technology, comprehending its potential impact on society, and actively engaging with AI-driven solutions and advancements.
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