A federal court has overturned a controversial protection order that had stalled development of the McPhillamys goldmine in New South Wales, following a legal challenge by the mining company. The decision reverses a 2024 ruling by the former environment minister under Indigenous heritage laws, which the company argued unfairly blocked the project. Regis Resources had contested the order, claiming it was issued without proper justification under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act. The ruling could now clear the way for further proceedings on the mine’s approval.
Federal court overrules decision by former environment minister for the McPhillamys goldmine development at BlayneyThe federal court has overturned a rare protection order issued by former environment minister Tanya Plibersek under Indigenous heritage legislation, which the company said effectively blocked a controversial goldmine in the central west of New South Wales.Regis Resources challenged the decision by the former minister to issue the order in 2024 under section 10 of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act. Continue reading...
