> September morning in 2020, when botanists came across more than half of the Tiehm’s buckwheat population destroyed. Federal biologists suggested the culprit was thirsty rodents, given the recent drought. They collected DNA from the root nubs like crime-scene detectives. Conservationists called it a calculated conspiracy, cataloging photos of what looked like human footprints near the unplugged plants and roots perfectly cut by the mouth of a spade. Ioneer clapped back, blaming conservationists for peddling propaganda and trying to meddle with the project.
It's easy to be very suspicious, and Australian mining companies have a terrible reputation.[0]
But the article lacks information. What were the results of the DNA tests? Where are those photos of the damage and those cut roots?
[0] https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/may/26/rio-t...