Mining boom threatens Tasmania’s forests

Conservationists say mineral-rich areas in Australia under threat as resources companies continue operations.

The ancient forests of the Tarkine in northwestern Tasmania were protected by the Australian government as a site of “national heritage”.

However, that listing has lapsed, and the government seems in no hurry to re-impose it.

At the same time, resources companies are applying to mine the mineral-rich area, something that conservationists say is threatening the environment.

Al Jazeera’s Andrew Thomas reports from Tasmania.

Source: Al Jazeera