Mining company VHM has displayed contempt for the community in its planning and assessment of environmental effects for its Goschen Rare Earth and Mineral Sands Project near Lalbert, Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster says.

Dr Webster met with VHM last week, telling the company she would back the farming community whose livelihoods are put at risk by the mine’s operations.

The public inquiry into Goschen’s environmental effects heard the closing submissions from Mine Free Mallee Farms Inc (MFMF) on Monday.

“I stand with Mallee farmers and MFMF who have no confidence in VHM’s assessment of the risks posed by the Goschen mine and its impact on Mallee prime agricultural land. VHM clearly do not have the social licence to pursue its objectives” Dr Webster said.

“It seems plain that although the company had not consulted some neighbours, others were pressured to sign neighbour agreements. Evidence was given at the hearing that VHM showed a complete lack of respect and contempt for the farmers whose community will be saddled with this mine with unknown effects on their productivity.”

Dr Webster said VHM’s evidence to the inquiry did little to answer issues raised by MFMF.

“Our farmers feed and clothe the nation and the world, and their interests must be protected, whether it be from mining, transmission lines or wind turbines,” Dr Webster said.

“VHM’s experts have played down these farmers’ concerns regarding Goschen’s contamination of ground water and soil damage as well as noise pollution and harm to human health.

“Mining companies, as well as transmission lines, solar or wind ‘farm’ proponents, must address these concerns before railroading communities and if there is any doubt – then the project should not be going ahead.”