Mitsui & Co. unequivocally condemns the clearing of trees that led to the death of koalas in South West Victoria.

South West Fibre Pty Ltd, an independent company in which we have minority shareholding, was engaged by the landowner to harvest trees in October last year.
This work was completed in November after a careful operation approved by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning that was designed to protect and conserve the koala population. 
The landowner was informed that koalas were living in the remaining trees.

South West Fibre has released a statement - see attached PDF.

Mitsui & Co is committed to responsible environmental and social standards.
For its forestry business that means ensuring plantations are managed sustainably, protecting the environment, fauna and flora and creating social and economic opportunity in support of the creation of a sustainable future for the world.

We understand that South West Fibre is assisting authorities with their investigation where necessary.

NOTE: Mitsui & Co’s 49% shareholding is through its 100% subsidiary Mitsui Bussan Woodchip Oceania Pty. Ltd