Mining Dispute on Adnyamathanha lands

The Adnyamathanha Traditional Lands Association (ATLA) has voted in favour of mining in Arkaroola at a special general meeting held in Hawker, South Australia. 'Our people had a democratic process as part of our traditional practices and this is continued today, so at our meeting we discussed this issue at length and then the vote was carried out convincingly in favour of mining in Arkaroola', Association Chairman, Vince Coulthard said. '"ATLA is the only entitythat can legally speak on behalf of the Adnyamathanha people and therefore governments and others are legally required to consult with us on any matters with regards to our native title", he said.

Despite the vote, the South Australian government will push on plans to ban mining forever in the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. South Australian Premier Mike Rann said while he 'repsected the views of traditional owners, he was proud of the proposed legislation to ban mining in the environmentally sensitive region of the Flinders Ranges'.