Cadia goldmine faces Supreme Court class action over contamination claims

Landowners near the Cadia goldmine in central west New South Wales have initiated a Supreme Court class action, alleging that the mine has contaminated over 2,000 properties with arsenic, heavy metals, and PFAS. The claimants state that pollution from Newmont’s Cadia goldmine has impacted air, surface, and groundwater within a 17-kilometer radius. They seek compensation for damaged property values and an injunction to prevent further pollution, emphasizing that a change in mine operations is their primary goal, not just financial gain.

The legal action follows years of community investigation and attempts to collaborate with the mine operator, which were reportedly refused. Concerns were initially raised in 2018 after a tailings dam wall collapse and again due to excessive dust emissions. Subsequent testing revealed heavy metals in drinking water tanks and PFAS in the Belubula River, leading to fishing bans.

The case is funded by UK litigation fund Aristata and may serve as a test case for regulators, according to the claimants’ lawyer. Newmont Cadia has acknowledged the proceedings and stated it will respond through legal channels. The company was previously fined $350,000 in 2023 for air pollution offenses and has been ordered to install additional dust monitors.

(Source：ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation))