Copi Mineral Sands Project

I strongly object to the project due to the high risk of devastating effects on our environment, in particular the Murray river.

This is a fantastic opportunity to develop a critical project in NSW creating jobs for the future and adding value to our great country's vast resources.

The Copi Mineral Sands project will provide jobs to the local community through operational crew, as well as nationally via support services. The Copi Project will produce feedstock for the production of titanium, zirconium and rare earth minerals - all of which feature on Australia's Critical Minerals List. These minerals are recognised for their role in Australia's advanced manufacturing industries and the global transition towards net-zero emissions.
Mineral Sands operations are comparatively much more environmentally sustainable in the extraction and concentration of their minerals compared to alternative sources. Unlike Mineral Sands Deposits, hard-rock sources require much more energy intensive mining and rock-breaking methods. Clay-based Rare Earth Mineral deposits also require high volumes of acid and other reagents for concentration, which the Copi Mineral Sands Project does not require. The Copi Project will primarily rely on gravity separation and electrostatic separation equipment, for which it will be sourcing Australian manufacturers.

I am a landholder objecting to the Copi Mineral Sands Project please find attached my submission detailing my objections for the Copi Mineral Sands Project.

Submission is attached.

I write this submission as a current business owner in Wentworth that deals and benefits directly from RZ Resources operation. I also write this as a owner builder and small farmer located on the banks of The Darling River that has a direct interest in the quality of water available in the region.

I have known about this project since the early days of this project commencing. Although still in its early stages, I have seen a lot of business flow through to us and other businesses in the region. Businesses in hospitality, trade services and equipment supply have benefitted from their current activities. I have had only positive interaction between the management and staff of RZ Resources who have always been open and informative.

The future of Wentworth's growth and the sleepy NW region of NSW lies in this project going ahead. The mining operation proposed will lay the foundation of unprecedent growth in Wentworth Shire. This project will have a long lasting effect on growth and development in the region. Every business, whether directly or indirectly will stand to benefit from this mining operation.

The proposed mining operation site is located 75kms from Wentworth and 65kms from Lake Victoria, not the 25km as I have seen stated in recent online social media posts. I put my faith into Australia's strict world leading regulations to all mining and development operations to preserve environment and cultural heritage sites and the follow up rehabilitation to areas affected on completion of projects.

I strongly object to this project for the following reasons:
1. It has already and will if the proposed mine is granted have an adverse affect on my Family, The Vagg Family are my daughter, my son in law and two of my grandchildren.
2. RZ Resources have already on record performed over 100 breaches of the mining act.
3. This area is a beautiful place and apart from grazing is mostly untouched, it is a peaceful wonderful place to spend time and unwind and without proper oversight during the mining process this beautiful place will be destroyed. RZ Resources has demonstrated a lack of environmental concern or care even while in exploration phase.
4.The proposed project EIS is full of mistakes and contradictions, most studies they have only carried out as desktop studies and therefore are scientifically inaccurate.
5. Even here in WA we are seeing Federal Government information regarding the Murray Darling Basin and the steps being taken to improve the situation regarding this wonderful river system. Having a mineral processing plant that will be using radioactive materials so close to both the Murray River and Lake Victoria is great cause for alarm. Has there been consultation with all the people, businesses and agricultural communities all along the river in SA I think not!
6. To have a wet processing plant in this area will require accessing the groundwater which is known to be more saline than seawater, so we will see another instance as has happened before around the Mildura area where the ground is so saline that nothing will grow there.
7. RZ Resources is not a fit organization to be given a Mining Licence, they have no regard for rules and regulations and will twist everything to suit their purpose which is to make as much money as they possibly can without regard for the environment.
8.The public are constantly being bombarded with climate change and emission targets, granting any company a mining licence in this area to mine supposed critical minerals is not going to help in anyway to acheiving these goals. Not only will this project require the greater use of fossil fuels but poses and even greater risk to the environment by the use of a radioactive process.
9.Of great importance in the news these days is the domestic abuse issue which is a shocking blight on our society, why do I mention this, because on more than one occasion and also in phone calls and in email correspondence, my daughter has been subjected to mysoginistic comments and behaviour, if we are going to stamp out domestic abuse this type of attitude needs to be stamped out at all levels of society. If its not ok in a marraige or relationship it is also not ok in business, if they are allowed to treat someone this way in public who knows what type of people they are in their private lives, it is not ok.
10. I grew up in Deniliquin, part of the Murray Darling Basin, please don't allow this company to destroy ( even if only slowly ) a beautiful part of Australia. Surely there is a better way !

Wentworth shire is in a state of decline due to LGA mismanagement of tourism planning and infrastructure projects. Any major project such as this Copi Sands proposition must be supported at all levels since there are nil other prospects on the horizon that are able to deliver growth to the shire. The applicants support for the community thus far has been well received. And they have thus far shown that they are a community minded prudent operator. That they expect to invest further in the town and community and become a major employer of locals has to be welcomed and promoted positively. This town, our schools, healthcare facilities and local businesses are suffering and any push back on new opportunities such as this project is folly. As a business owner operator in the town I endorse this project without reservation.

I am writing to object to the Copi project.

The mineral mine will cause an environmental disaster to farmer's land. They will disrupt wildlife habitats and ecosystems. The actual mining operations will produce toxic waste that will cause water and air pollution among other disasters such as:
• Erosion
• Sinkholes
• Loss of biodiversity
• Contamination of the soil surface and underground water by chemicals emitted from mining processes.
Climate change is a major contributor to environmental degradation because it can cause damage to farmer's land.
The negative consequences of the mining company to farmers and their children include respiratory complications such as pneumoconiosis, asbestosis, and silicosis caused by inhaling fine particles from the large amounts of dust generated by mining activities like blasting and drilling.
Mining is an inherently invasive process that does cause irreversible damage to farmer’s land and farm landscapes in an area much larger than the mining site itself. The effects of the mining damage can continue years after the mine has shut down. Including the addition to greenhouse gases, death of flora and fauna, livestock, and erosion of farmers’ land and habitat making it unsafe to farm at all.
Mining on a working farm will cause direct destruction of stock habitat and direct poisoning through food and water. As farming livestock and native animals need specific habitat environmental conditions to survive. Disruption or modification can put them at risk of extinction.
This mining company does not follow or comply with environmental and mining regulations or consult with the farmers who own and farm this land. I understand this company has never ran a mining site, they have no experience. Why should farmers let them practice risky mining techniques that WILL substantially damage and interrupt the landscape?
This mine will cause habitat destruction to farmer’s land and animal habitat. Huge areas of natural habitat will be destroyed during mining construction and exploitation forcing farmers' livestock to leave the site. This indicates a significant risk for animal biodiversity. Livestock and native animals will be poisoned directly by the mine's products and residuals. Bioaccumulation in the plants (animals' food source) they eat can cause poisoning in native animals, sheep, goats, cattle and horses that are exposed to potentially toxic concentrations of mining particles in grasses and plants.
In my conclusion the health risk and environmental consequences are too great of a risk to proceed with this mine.

I object completely to this project. I was employed by the owner of both properties concerned. I worked for him in conjunction with Relentless now known as RZ resources. During the time of my employment I witnessed utter incompetence by senior employees of RZ resources on a number of occasions. Some that should have and most likely may not have been addressed. I believe such incompetence may be of risk in the future if this project goes ahead. I am very aware of the project and the land upon which it may be conducted. I am concerned about the close proximity of Lake Victoria the Murray River and Lower Anabranch due to possible contamination above and below ground. I am extremely concerned also for native fauna and wildlife on the proposed site as well. Although extensive research has taken place on fauna and wildlife I still believe this not to be correct. This I put forward as my Personal opinion based on time employed on the property and nothing other. I don't believe the rehabilitation of the site after the fact will be sufficient to restore the site back to the way it is now so resident lizards insects fauna and wildlife will return. Some of great significance such as the Pink Cockatoo major Mitchell which frequents often. I have seen groups of up to 20 plus at times. Not to mention thousands of other native bird species. I believe this needs to be looked at more closely. My last concern is the impact of radioactive materials on the area. What if has the ability to enter neighbouring dams rain water tanks or simply a puddle on the ground from which an animal drinks. Ie native or farmed animal. Mostly for the concern of neighbouring farmers and their families especially for the family whom I was employed by and are simply being pushed of their land by companies involved in this project. I have witnessed this first hand and am appalled by this. This being the reason I chose to end my employment there. This project is not right for the area . Not right for wildlife fauna and the farmers who just want to farm THEIR land. So this is why I Completely object to COPI .

My Name is Peter Crisp, I am a Wentworth Shire councillor and former MP and parliamentary secretary for regional development in the Victorian parliament, I also have qualifications in electrical and electronic engineering and business administration. I support the Copi Project and the EIS and wish to make the following comments, in relation to the process of establishing the Copi Mine Project,

As I understand the Copi Mine is a project of state significance and could/should be a source of critical minerals in part for the renewable sector.

I have a concern that any delays in delivering this project could allow benefits to the Wentworth Shire and the State of NSW to bleed away to Victoria. There are several mineral sand projects being progressed in Victoria, the Victorian government has shown its preparedness to expedite the approvals for the renewable project through their planning system.

The Victorian Government has amended the regulations of the Land Act 1993 to remove the right of appeal except to the Supreme Court.

These changes took effect from 1/4/24 with 14 days’ notice, this action will have its first impact on proposed energy interconnectors but will also be relevant to mining proposals.

It is my belief that neither the NSW government nor the communities of south-west NSW can afford for this project to be delayed.

The demand for resources for renewable projects is accelerating, to meet our net zero objectives it is likely that there will be a peak in demand for critical minerals followed by a flattening of demand as the renewable projects come online.

There is also an opportunity for NSW as a supplier of critical minerals to have credibility in the international renewable technology sector that could translate into technology sharing. Allowing access to technology and thus the opportunity for manufacturing.

At the local level, the employment opportunities offered by the RZ Mine will deliver benefits that will strengthen our community.

I urge that this project be "got on with" to provide local, state, and national benefits.


Peter Crisp

This project will create numerous jobs, greatly benefiting the local region and area. The initiative promises to stimulate economic growth while ensuring responsible resource management. RZ Resources has my support in this endeavor to enhance community prosperity and environmental stewardship.

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