Rankins Springs farmer Jock Munro has voiced support for Rio Tinto's proposed explorations near Lake Brewster.
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Mr Munro has suggested that support for the exploration and mining industry in general would bring a needed economic boost to the area, citing his own experiences with Milbrae Quarries.
"I just wanted to make a point that quarrying and mining can be a lot of benefit to the community ... Mining's made a huge contribution to Australia's wealth and I think as long as it's managed properly, it can be really good."
There are some key difference between the blue metal quarry he refers to and Rio Tinto's proposal, however. The chief difference is the land the projects are using.
"The land where the metal is being extracted wouldn't have had any other use, it was very limited in use for agriculture," he said about Milbrae.
Mr Munro was also keen to bring more people to the area, and mining could be a way to do that. The areas have been faced with rapid depopulation and a lack of infrastructure as a response.
You build a mine and the people come with it
- Jock Munro
"Anything that can create some employment and infrastructure can make quite a difference ... There's been children at the local school who've got a parent at the local quarry. You build a significant mine and the people come with it, that's a given."
Mr Munro had nothing but kind words for the Woods family, who own and operate the quarry. He had particular praise for a newly sealed road, sealed in a joint venture between the Woods and the local shire.
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The road represents the infrastructure and community benefit that natural resource extraction can bring to a community, in Mr Munro's eyes.
In response to the recent community alliance against Rio Tinto's exploration, Mr Munro suggested that they be 'circumspect.'
"I'd suggest they'd be a little circumspect and just stand back a little, have a good look and consider the benefits."
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