FEDERAL Environment Minister Tony Burke has given an Indian mining company the green light to develop an iron ore project on Tasmania's West Coast.
The mine, one of a handful of proposals being fiercely opposed by Tarkine conservationists, is expected to create 125 jobs over its predicted decade of operation.
The National Tarkine Coalition said protesters would barricade the site as soon as work started.
TNC's Scott Jordan said Mr Burke had folded to pressure from the Australian Workers' Union which organised a loud and very angry pro-mining rally in Burnie last month.
'What the AWU wants, Tony gives, it seems," Mr Jordan said yesterday.
"We will monitor the situation and as soon as they start works on site we will be there."
Mr Burke has imposed 29 conditions on Shree Minerals' project including the development of plans to protect threatened species and the Tasmanian devil.
Shree Minerals said the Federal Government approval was a major milestone in its bid to start production at Nelson Bay -- near Couta Rocks -- and the ghost mining town of Balfour.
The company will now seek funding partners.
The Nelson Bay River project has already been approved by the State Government.
Shree Minerals chairman Sanjay Loyalka said the project's development would include measures to stop acid drainage and minimise the risk of road kill.
Mr Loyalka said the mine's footprint would be small compared to the social and economic benefits it would bring.
He said the project would also boost the state's finances through royalties and payroll tax.
Shree Minerals will commission a research program to understand orchid biology in the North-West and support the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program.
Federal Braddon MP Sid Sidebottom said Mr Burke's decision was welcome news for the region.
"Mining has a long history and ongoing importance to the economy and I am pleased that it will continue to do so," Mr Sidebottom said.
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