IT’S HARD to be green, and I say that with big respect for people who try.
According to a Queensland Government media release, Australian Mines has been granted a mining lease for its Sconi Project, northwest of Townsville.
The estimated $1.4bn project has a planned life of 30 years, processing two million tonnes of ore per year, with the project planned for commissioning in 2028 (the statement reads).
It goes on to say: Once operational, the open-cut mine and the adjoining processing plant is expected to produce about 47,000 tonnes of nickel sulphate, 7,000 tonnes of cobalt sulphate and 89 tonnes of scandium oxide.
Apparently, these are ‘critical minerals, needed to make batteries for the electric car industry’.
I’m no expert but when it comes to striving for a greener planet, it seems like one door opens (for example, government money for the reef) and another one closes – or am I being naïve?
Send your thoughts to editor@whitsundaynews.net.au
Meanwhile
Things are really hotting up on the events scene in the Whitsundays.
This Saturday, July 15, there is so much going on around the region – just in Airlie Beach alone, there are three events that spring to mind.
The Tassal Group Airlie Beach Marathon Festival kicks off at 4pm, with the McDonalds Magic Mile.
All other races are on Sunday, July 16, starting with the marathon at 6am. A great weekend for the whole family. To register, go to www.runairlie.com.au.
Also on Saturday, all five Whitsunday Sea Eagles teams celebrate ‘Pride Round’, at home, from 9.15am for the Juniors, and 1.50pm for the Seniors. Get out and support them!
And the annual ‘Heroes of Horsepower’ day is back again, on Saturday, at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach.
The event will feature the Monster Energy Race Car, cars from various racing categories, high performance cars, corporate displays, and live entertainment – see story page 4.
And lastly
The Whitsunday News newspaper turns three years old, on July 15.
Our first ever issue came out on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 – it seems so long ago now!
As always, thanks for reading this newspaper.
Deborah.
