PROTESTORS have vowed to continue their fight against a controversial coal mining project after a heavily pregnant Bacchus Marsh resident chained herself to a drill rig yesterday. Natasha Mills was one of the 20 participants at a protest against the controversial Mantle Mining coal exploration project at Bacchus Marsh. Organised by Quit Coal, the protest is the latest in a series of activities against the West Australian company’s 15-hole drill program. Quit Coal’s activist Paul Connor also tied himself to a rig. Ms Mills, who is expecting her second child in one and a half months, said she was concerned about the future of the land. “I had a small chain around my ankle,” Ms Mills said.“We put our picnic rugs out and had locally produced food.“We are trying to illustrate the point that we are looking at a 1-2 billion tonne open-cut coal mine in a food bowl area.”A resident for four years, Ms Mills said she could not believe the state government was standing by and welcoming the exploratory drilling.“This could completely destroy our community,” she said. “I couldn’t stand by and watch it happen.”A Mantle Mining Exploration spokesman said the company recognised the right to peaceful demonstration.“Mantle continues to work with stakeholders at all levels, and is of the view that the protest will not have a material impact on ongoing operations,” he said. A government spokesperson said prior to commencing work at this site the company obtained consent of the affected landowner and had a compensation agreement in place. “Protestors who chain themselves to machinery and equipment at active work sites risk the safety of themselves and others,” she said. “It is irresponsible and dangerous behaviour.”Friends of the Earth Australia spokesman on coal Shaun Murray said the protest was a success. “We managed to stop drilling for at least four and a half hours and we exposed once again to the broader community what is happening in Bacchus Marsh,” Mr Murray said.“This is part of an ongoing campaign that we are fighting together with the local community. We will fight every step of the way.”