Many arguments against the Middlemarch mine

THERE will be many like Susan Broad (ODT letters, 3.9.18) who sensibly argue that diatomite from the proposed Middlemarch mine at Foulden Maar be transported to its processing plant by rail not road.

However, putting transport logistics aside, the fact remains that Foulden Maar is of international scientific importance as a paleontologic site from which it is possible to reconstruct entire past ecosystems.

Even more importantly, its strata provide one of the best records of prehistory climate change in the world.

In a time of environmental and climate instability, we must not relinquish such an invaluable resource for the sake of shortterm profits for a transnational corporation. Once gone, it is gone forever. To quote David Attenborough: ‘‘How could I look my grandchildren in the eye and say I knew about this — and I did nothing?’’ Andrea Bosshard

Dunedin TO have even the remotest chance of being economically viable, the mine at Foulden Maar near Middlemarch would need to move large volumes. Diatomite is lowvalue and the world is already well supplied.

The projected 500,000 tonnes a year that Plaman Global intends to export would increase current world production by a massive 15%. It appears the high organic content of this ‘‘globally rare black diatomite’’ makes it low quality.

Will they truck it 260km to

Southland for processing close to Bathurst’s Takitimu coal mine? Coal is the most affordable energy source to dry large amounts of diatomite.

How does burning vast amounts of diesel and coal, and destroying a site that’s unsurpassed globally in the study of historical climate change, help fulfil the Dunedin City Council’s and Otago Regional Council’s visions for a more sustainable future? Philippa Jamieson

Opoho ...................................

BIBLE READING: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. — Hebrews 11:1.