In remote far-western Queensland lies an ancient gorge, scattered with rock carvings, that's rarely visited. Traditional owners fear it could fall victim to the world's insatiable appetite for critical minerals.

In the rocky outcrops of remote far-western Queensland, there’s an ancient gorge that’s rarely visited.

Wangkamadla woman Avelina Tarrago says the land is part of her identity.

There are currently two exploration permits at Pilungah Reserve for rare-earth minerals like copper, lead, zinc and lithium, which are used for renewable energy projects.

“We’re beholden to government to really make the final decision … but it would be an important step that we were included,” Ms Tarrago said.

There is currently only one special wildlife reserve in the state, the nearby Bush Heritage site Pullen Pullen, which was granted the status to protect the night parrot in 2020.

The Queensland Department of Environment said it was assessing four formal expressions of interests for the status and had started discussions with five other landholders.

  • AutoTL;DR@lemmings.worldBEnglish
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    10 months ago

    This is the best summary I could come up with:

    Wangkamadla woman Avelina Tarrago’s ancestors have walked the arid plains of Pilungah Reserve on the Queensland-Northern Territory border for generations.

    There are currently two exploration permits at Pilungah Reserve for rare-earth minerals like copper, lead, zinc and lithium, which are used for renewable energy projects.

    Experts have warned the world is facing a serious copper shortfall by 2030, which has cast doubts over the global push for green energy projects, many of which rely on the metal.

    But Queensland Resources Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane said mining companies had come a long way since the destruction of the Juukan Gorge in 2020.

    The ABC understands Wangkamadla people have been included in some discussions with Rio Tinto, whose application stretches across Painted Gorge.

    “We acknowledge and respect the position of the Mulligan River Aboriginal Corporation and the importance to the Wangkamadla people of protecting the cultural heritage and environmental values of their lands.”

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