The Federal Government has ruled that plans to raise the existing Mains Creek tailings dam wall at the Savage River Iron Ore Mine in Tasmania can proceed without further environmental assessment.

 

Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke said the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities had found that the proposal was likely to have no impact on threatened species or other matters protected under Federal environment law.

 

"Mining has been occurring at this site in Savage River for decades,'' Mr Burke said.

 

"Raising the dam wall will not impact on threatened species. Adequately containing tailings is important in protecting the downstream environment.

 

"I have a number of proposals in the Tarkine region coming before me and each of those decisions will be made on its individual merits.