The two Wonnarua men describe the land as “hallowed ground” of the Wonnarua people.
Glencore has taken out an advertisement in the community paper naming the duo stating they are “seeking to stop our project”.
Mr Franks described the advertisement as a “flat-out attack on First Nations people.”
Federal environment minister Sussan Ley is set to consider the protection claim from Franks and Lester under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protections Act.