Paige Taylor; 23/11/09
Phosphate mining sustained Adijah Bingham and her seven siblings as they grew up on the remote Australian territory of Christmas Island. Now Ms Bingham’s work replanting native trees is paid for by a mining company holding its breath. Within five weeks, Environment Minister Peter Garrett is expected to rule on the future of Christmas Island Phosphates, which, despite the economic boom created by the detention of more than 1100 asylum-seekers on the island, is still the largest employer of locals. The mine employs 135 residents and has offered to contribute a further $50 million to community projects on top of the conservation levy it pays for rainforest rehabilitation if its new leases are granted.
Tags: Australia, Christmas Island, Environment, Trade