Cyanide protest a success

On May 2, protesters at Chullora blockaded trucks transporting cyanide to Barrick goldmine at Lake Cowal in central western NSW. Protest organiser Graeme Dunstan said the action was a success, with no cyanide-laden trucks getting past on the day.

Dunstan said that the maker of the cyanide, Orica, the transporter, Pacific National, and the NSW planning minister are all withholding facts about possible dangers associated with the transportation of this dangerous product. "We want the facts. We want communities in Australia to know about the possible threat from a cyanide spill to their public health and waterways", he said. The protesters asked how plans can be made to deal with an emergency if the size of the cyanide hazard is kept a secret from residents and planning agencies.

The protesters stressed that more than 6000 tonnes of cyanide travels from Orica's plant in Gladstone, Queensland, to Lake Cowal every year. Barrick is the world's biggest gold producer and is accused of environmental degradation through excessive water use, destruction of ecosystems and contributing to climate change.

The protest was part of an international day of protest against the Toronto-based mining company and coincided with its annual general meeting. Protests were also held in Canada, the US, Argentina, Papua New Guinea, Peru and Russia.

From GLW issue 710