Arabic version: المجتمع يطلق دعوى جماعية ضد نيومنت بسبب مزاعم التلوث

Residents near the Cadia goldmine in central-west New South Wales have initiated a class action lawsuit against Newmont, the mining company that owns the site. The community alleges that the mine has caused significant contamination of air, soil, and water.

According to ABC News, the first directions hearing for this case took place today in the NSW Supreme Court, with another hearing scheduled for July 16. The class action includes around 2,000 members who reside within a 17-kilometre radius of the mine, which is among the largest goldmines globally.

Lead plaintiffs Frances Retallack and Guy Fitzhardinge expressed their disappointment that legal action was necessary. They have attempted to engage with Newmont over the years to address their concerns about pollution. Retallack emphasized her pride in the community’s courage to confront a major corporation like Newmont.

The plaintiffs’ barrister, Christopher Withers SC, highlighted that the alleged contamination stems from mine fluids escaping the site since 2024 and dust from 2019. He pointed to a tailings dam wall failure as a significant factor contributing to the pollution.

Newmont’s legal representative, Catherine Gleeson SC, acknowledged the collapse of the tailings dam wall but noted that the consequences of this event would be contested in court. The extent of the pollution’s impact on surrounding properties is expected to be a key point of debate.

Justice Richard Cavanagh has adjourned the proceedings until July 16, indicating that a hearing date will likely be set for the second half of 2027. Newmont has stated that it takes its legal responsibilities seriously and is committed to environmental stewardship, but refrained from further comments due to the ongoing legal process.