A group of protesters, including musician Shane Howard, are stalling mining operations at a majority Chinese-owned mine in Tasmania that plans to expand into nearby native rainforest.
The group have been protesting since December last year, in the longest sustained campaign since the Franklin River protest in the 1980s.
Excavation has legally commenced at the site in the Tarkine Rainforest; however the protesters have locked onto the heavy machinery, making it impossible to continue without calling police and security.
More than 60 people have been arrested so far.
“It’s not about closing down the mine, it’s about world’s best practice, doing it the right way,” Mr Howard told Sky News.
"Taking the cheap, lazy, greedy option brings disgrace to China."
