NT allows Mining giant to pollute 'country'

The Northern Territory Government is grappling with a looming environmental disaster at one of the world's biggest zinc, lead and silver mines.

The McArthur mine is located about 900 kilometres south-east of Darwin in Gulf Country, and is operated by the Swiss mining giant Glencore.

Documents released through a Freedom on Information request now reveal though that Glencore is failing to manage the huge amounts of toxic waste being released at the mine—waste which environmentalists say could pose a danger for hundreds of years.

In fact, it's been revealed a leaking tailings dam is already contaminating local waterways used by people living near the mine.

The fear now is that the mining giant may leave Northern Territory taxpayers with a massive bill to clean up the site.

RN Breakfast