The Bowdens Silver project, located near Lue, has submitted their Development Application and the associated Environmental Impact Statement to the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
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Commencing Tuesday (June 2), the public exhibition period for the application for State Significant Development, EIS, and accompanying documents, will run until Monday, July 27, 2020.
The project is considered one of the world's largest undeveloped silver deposits with an ore reserve of some 66 million ounces of silver.
Which will be extracted over a sixteen-year mine life. It is proposed that a total of approximately 29.9 million tonnes of ore would be extracted, with quantities of zinc and lead as by-products, with the mineral concentrate products being transported off site by road then rail for smelting by third parties.
The open-cut mine would have a maximum rate of extraction and processing of 2 million tonnes per annum.
Approximately 230 local people are expected to be employed during its operating life.
Bowdens Silver director, Anthony McClure, said the Environmental Impact Statement is the culmination of years of comprehensive independent technical assessments and peer reviews, as well as a community consultation program.
And pointed to the expected economic benefits for the Mudgee region and towns of Lue, Rylstone and Kandos, through jobs created directly at the mine and through the use of local businesses and service providers.
"The work by our local staff and consultants has been exemplary," he said.
"The Environmental Impact Statement is a robust technical document demonstrating negligible environmental effects while providing significant economic effect and substantial job creation.
"We are very pleased that our Social Impact Assessment has clearly shown strong support for this project in the local communities."
The project is formed of three main components.
A mine site, comprising a main open cut pit and two satellite open cut pits, collectively covering approximately 52ha. With associated infrastructure including a processing plant, waste rock emplacement, ore stockpiles, and a tailings storage facility.
The re-alignment of around 4.5km of Maloneys Road, which would provide access to the site from Lue Road, with a new intersection with the latter, and a new railway bridge overpass and a new road crossing of Lawsons Creek.
And an approximately 59km long water supply pipeline corridor, extending to the Ulan and Moolarben coal mines to supply the project with make-up water required for processing and dust suppression. Construction of the pipeline would occur over a 10-month period.
Seven years will be required for final rehabilitation of the project, following the 16-year mine life during which time progressive work will be carried out. Taking the total expected project life to 23 years.
- The Environmental Impact Statement may be viewed online at the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment's Major Projects website, planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/project/9641
- A hard copy available for viewing at Mid-Western Regional Council, 86 Market Street, Mudgee.
- Anyone can make a submission about the application during the exhibition period (June 2 to July 27, 2020).
- If you cannot lodge online, you can post your submission to; Director - Resource Assessments, Planning and Assessment; Department of Planning, Industry and Environment; Locked Bag 5022; Parramatta, NSW, 2124.
- For more information call (02) 9274 6324 or 1300 305 695.
