The Institute is pleased to support the release of the independent documentary ‘Mining the Blue Mountains’ by filmmaker James O’Connor, investigating mining pollution in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area.

Dr Ian Wright is a BMWHI research associate and WSU water scientist who has been studying pollution from mines and the related impact on waterways in the World Heritage Area for over ten years.

The documentary takes viewers into the wilderness of the Grose Valley area with Dr. Wright and his team of water researchers, including BMWHI intern Holly Nettle.

The film asks the important question: when mines are closed, they are left to continue leaching harmful pollutants into our river systems without oversight - so, who cleans up the mess? The film also covers how potentially environmentally disastrous situations can be turned around through communication and cooperation between scientists, government and mining corporations.

The documentary was launched with a free premiere at Mt Vic Flicks on Tuesday 8th February.

The premiere included three sessions, all involving Q&A sessions. The premiere event was well attended by over 250 people, including John Merson and Rosalie Chapple from BMWHI.

Politicians who spoke at the event included MLC Cate Faehrmann and Blue Mountains Councillor Mick Fell. John Merson also spoke at the event, in recognition of the importance of the issue at the hand and the water quality research Dr Ian Wright and Holly Nettle have been conducting in collaboration with BMWHI.