United voices from scientists and experts, residents, farmers, and regional environment groups demanded action against mining in the Clarence catchment as they stood with Gumbaynggirr Traditional Owners at a packed public meeting in Dorrigo last weekend.

Hosted by the Bellingen Environment Centre and held at The Never Never Mind, the venue reached capacity quickly, with queues stretching down Cudgery Street.

Clarence Valley Councillor Cristie Yager attended the meeting along with local members of the Clarence Catchment Alliance CCA.

“The 200+ turnout reflected growing public concern about the escalating threat of antimony and tungsten exploration on the Dorrigo Plateau and in the Wild Cattle Creek area, both within vital water catchments,” the CCA said in a statement.

“These areas feed the Nymboida and Clarence Rivers, which supply drinking water to around 100,000 people in the Clarence Valley and Coffs Harbour regions.

“Concerns have been heightened following the detection of antimony in a Clarence-Coffs drinking water supply in March 2025, prompting a Mayoral Minute from Clarence Valley Council and widespread alarm.

“Antimony is a toxic metalloid, and there is no safe level for it in drinking water. Long-term exposure can cause damage to the liver, heart, and lungs, liked to arsenic poisoning and can be carcinogenic.

“The Clarence Catchment Alliance will meet with the CVC Mayor on June 10 to raise further community concerns and reinforce the urgent need for protection of all local drinking water sources and rivers.”

The CCA said the Clarence Catchment now faces 42 active mineral exploration licences, each threatening rivers, drinking water, ecosystems, farmland, and communities.

Key concerns are that TRIGG Minerals has taken on the Exploration Licence (EL) formally owned by Anchor Resources and have lodged Exploration Licence Applications (ELAs) in the same area targeting antimony.

According to TRIGG CEO they have not begun exploration drilling and will consult with community soon.

The CCA said Trigg Minerals are in possession of historical core drill samples from the previous company.

Other concerns are Scorpio Resources, United Antimony, and Providence Gold and Minerals also hold ELs on the Dorrigo plateau and could ramp up at any time.

The CV Independent has tried to contact Trigg Minerals Managing Director Andre Booyzen to discuss the company’s activities but received no response.

Cr Yager thanked “the incredible speakers for sharing knowledge, famers their experiences and environmentalists the impacts.”

“Let me be clear: this is our water,” she said.

“Our children’s water.

“Once a mine is approved in this location, the risk to our catchment is irreversible.”

The CCA will be meeting with Richie Williamson and Janelle Saffin in the coming weeks, and the group is planning a road trip of community events presented by the Environmental Defenders Office.

They are calling on concerned community members to write to NSW Ministers for Water, Environment, and Resources, and submit stakeholder statements to the CCA voicing their opposition.

To find NSW Ministers contacts and a letter template, or to submit your stakeholder statement visit www.clarencecatchmentalliance.com.au.

This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 11 June 2025.