Victoria的农民抗议延长矿井的管道, Farmers in Victoria protest a pipeline extension for a mine, fearing it threatens their water supply.

维多利亚(Victoria)易遭旱灾的Wimmera地区的农业团体正在抗议为Donald Mineral Sands矿井供水的管道扩建计划, Farming groups in Victoria’s drought-prone Wimmera region are protesting a proposed pipeline extension to supply water to the Donald Mineral Sands mine, citing concerns over agricultural water security. 虽然采矿经营者Astron说,它持有6.94GL水利许可证,预计每年使用约2.4GL水利,但农民认为,即使如此,也会给有限的区域供应造成压力,因为区域供应严重依赖低径流所供应的水库。 While the mine operator, Astron, says it holds a 6.94GL water licence and expects to use about 2.4GL annually, farmers argue even that amount could strain limited regional supplies, which rely heavily on reservoirs fed by low runoff. 2000年代实施的Wimmera Mallee输油管通过减少蒸发,节省了100多千兆里拉。 The Wimmera Mallee pipeline, implemented in the 2000s, has saved over 100GL by reducing evaporation. Astron维持该项目不会造成短缺,注意到管道设计为每年最多20GL/年用于采矿,而水许可证已稳定了价格。 Astron maintains the project won’t cause shortages, noting the pipeline was designed for up to 20GL/year for mining and that water licensing has stabilized prices. 该公司计划利用盐水地下水和径流减少对淡水的依赖。 The company plans to reduce reliance on freshwater by using saline groundwater and runoff. GWM水机制确认的采矿需求被纳入长期规划,供应合同只有在有水时才能签订。 GWMWater confirmed mining needs were factored into long-term planning and supply contracts are only made when water is available. DLPG主席Andrew Weidemann警告说,这场冲突反映了采矿、能源政策和粮食安全之间更广泛的国家紧张关系,敦促领导人将农耕置于公司利益之上。 DLPG chairman Andrew Weidemann warned the conflict reflects broader national tensions between mining, energy policy, and food security, urging leaders to prioritize farming over corporate interests.