Mining company Idemitsu Australia Resources says the company has been “left no choice but to pursue our legal options” after protesters gained access to its Boggabri coal mine site.
Activist group Front Line Action On Coal has admitted “a large group of people” walked into the site in the Leard State Forest on Sunday as part of an international day of action against coal.
In a statement to The Courier, Idemitsu said a number of people gained unauthorised entry to the site on Sunday and yesterday.
“Our primary concern is always for the safety of anyone within the mine site,” Idemitsu Australia Resources chief operating officer Rod Bridges said.
“By gaining unauthorised entry to the site and trespassing on private property, the protesters’ actions put them in a very dangerous position.”
Mr Bridges said the company continues to be on the receiving end of action by environmental activists and Idemitsu will continue to pursue its legal rights in regard to anyone who accesses the site illegally.
“Unfortunately, we are seeing disruptive protester action continuing, and we are left no choice but to pursue our legal options,” Mr Bridges said.
He also confirmed police were called to the mine’s haul road yesterday when protesters “blockaded access from the mine”.
“We are continuing to work with police to manage the situation with protesters as safely as possible, to ensure normal mining operations can continue,” Mr Bridges said.
“We are always happy to discuss any concerns with stakeholders, but it is important they appreciate our requirements to operate a business safely and to support the local community through employment.”
Front Line Action On Coal spokesman Murray Drechsler said the group’s protest centres on its call for the Forestry Corporation of NSW to no longer sign access agreements with coal mining companies on public land and for banks to no longer fund new coal mines.
“We will not give in until these forests and farms are protected,” he said.