NSW goldmine faces community class action over allegations of a ‘toxic trifecta’ of pollution

Venting at the Cadia goldmine near Orange. The legal challenge follows years of community concerns about dust and heavy metals. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian

Residents of a small regional community near Orange in New South Wales have filed an environmental class action over a “toxic trifecta” of alleged pollution caused by Cadia goldmine.

The supreme court challenge against Cadia Holdings, which trades as Cadia Valley Operations and is owned by Newmont, is seeking compensation including damages for a reduction in property values and an injunction to restrain further pollution.