The ABC reports – Collapse at Clarence Colliery at Lithgow ‘equivalent to giant oil spill’, wilderness foundation says.
I wonder if in all history rivers and creeks have never eroded coal measures before? So are there natural examples of environmental damage equal to “giant oil spills” in the rivers and water courses draining the abundant coal measures surrounding greater Sydney?
Not trying to minimise any particular event but let us keep some perspective and it would be nice to see the media reporting a rational view from all angles.
Latest News from Centennial Coal
Clarence Colliery is not at Lithgow. It is a closer to Bell and just off the Bell’s line of Road on a ridge much higher than Lithgow and no where near any river. Clarence Colliery mines the Katoomba seam which is the highest in the squence with the Wolgan , Lidsdale and Lithgow seams well below. Mines in the Lithgow area mine the Lithgow seam which outcrops close to Portland & Wallerawang. The Katoomba seam in this area has some equivalence to the Bulli seam mined in the Wollongong area. Clarence used to export raw unwashed coal (at 13-15% ash) for steaming purposes so any spoil was from faults and intrusions -ie shale and clay. It is likely that they put in a washery to produce for export semi-soft coking coal of 9-10% ash. and steam coal of 15-17% ash. This could produce a waste with 50-70% ash. Such waste would have no environmental impact and plants can grow in and on it.
The Wilderness Foundation is known for exaggeration and lies.
Thanks for the detail Cement.
Clarence Colliery should get out there themselves with this sort of detail and perspective.
Otherwise the Wilderness Society and others continue to get away with ridiculous exaggerations – “equivalent to a giant oil spill” – designed only to damage business and halt productive activity.