NSW goldmine faces community class action over allegations of a ‘toxic trifecta’ of pollution

Residents near the Cadia goldmine in New South Wales have initiated a class action lawsuit against Cadia Holdings (owned by Newmont), alleging a “toxic trifecta” of pollution impacting air, land, and water quality. The lawsuit, filed in the Supreme Court, seeks compensation for reduced property values and an injunction to prevent further pollution. Residents report dust contamination, heavy metal presence in water sources, and potential harm to livestock. Independent testing commissioned by the Cadia Community Sustainability Network allegedly revealed pollutants in creeks and groundwater flowing into the Belubula River, including heavy metals and PFAS.

Newmont acknowledges the legal proceedings and states it will respond through appropriate legal channels, reaffirming its commitment to environmental stewardship. The company was previously fined $350,000 in 2025 by the NSW EPA for breaches of clean air regulations. An EPA-commissioned review found elevated heavy metal levels in some groundwater but no conclusive evidence linking Cadia to significant waterway degradation, while also criticizing the quality of the mine’s monitoring programs.

A NSW Health investigation involving community volunteers found “no definitive evidence of health impacts” from heavy metal exposure, and an EPA air quality monitoring program concluded that air quality around the mine was generally good to fair. Despite these findings, residents maintain their concerns and view the class action as a last resort after years of unaddressed complaints and scientific evidence presented to Newmont and the EPA.

(Source：The Guardian)