From Tanja Pless-Mulloli, University of Newcastle
Rob Edwards extensively interviewed both myself and my coworker Maxine Craven
when he was conducting the research for his article on opencast coal mining, and
many of the statements about scientific findings are based on material made
available by us
(“Under a dark cloud”, 27 September, p 20).
However, in the midst of correctly quoted pieces of information, a paragraph
was inserted starting with the words “Privately, the scientists admit . . . “
None of my colleagues in Newcastle said anything of the sort. However, it was
implied that the scientists referred to are from Newcastle. The reactions from
other journalists and members of the public following the publication of the
article suggest that this was their perception too.
Opencast coal mining and the potential health effects from living near sites
is of concern to many people. We are at too early a stage of our study to
predict our results and have an open mind about what may occur. By implying that
we already expect certain answers, you are prejudicing the final presentation of
the results of an important study which is of considerable public interest.
