theres also some suspicion about how just before the ban, they lifted another ban on uranium mining in the area. however, exploration can be a long and dubious process, fraught with things like "indigenous land rights" " private land rights" and "local consent" around things that potentially could cause contamination and ecological harm.

so if they wanted to send people in, without consent, to explore for uranium deposits, and not be seen doing so by locals/drone enthusiasts. this would be an excellent cover and time frame for them to do so.

after they have the data points they need, they will no longer have to sift through loads of local legal roadblocks, and just work on the areas specifically to have proven worthwhile reserves.

so either its just a really over the top local ban because of forest fire potential (which there certainly is) or they are using the current situation as a cover for exploration without consent.

its the PC party, so i wouldnt be surprised if there was some sort of backroom deal with some junior mining companies. theres currently no local bids, but i imagine that there will be come october or november once the dust settles. if thats the reason behind the unusually large fine for walking in the area right now.