Terramin submits mining application for Adelaide Hills Bird in Hand gold mine; plan up for public scrutiny
Local opponents of the proposed restart of a historic gold mine in the Adelaide Hills say they now have the “the starter’s gun” to escalate and formalise their position.
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Detailed mine plans related to the contentious Bird in Hand project in the Adelaide Hills are now open for public scrutiny.
Terramin has lodged its mining lease application (MLA) for the project at Woodside, 30km east of Adelaide, and a miscellaneous purpose lease (MPL) to allow processing of gold ore at Strathalbyn hub.
About $34 million would be invested to build the mine with another $30 million a year spent on operating expenditure over its five-year life. The company estimates 140 jobs will be created.
But the project has divided the local community with some growers arguing the plan to revive the historic goldmine will threaten the viability of the region’s agriculture and wine industries.
Terramin chief executive Richard Taylor said the project was an important opportunity for diversifying the Adelaide Hills economy and creating jobs and growth in regional South Australia, particularly in Woodside and Strathalbyn.
“The proposal presents a low impact project that has taken into account feedback gained from five years of various community engagement processes to adjust the proposal in ways that reflect community feedback.”
The Inverbrackie Creek Catchment Group, which is opposing the development, issued a statement saying local business and community were gearing up for the next stage in the battle against the proposal.
“The lodgement of the application represented “the starter’s gun” for community and businesses in the area,” said Jim Franklin-McEvoy, a local grazier who heads up the Inverbrackie Creek Catchment Group.
“Despite years of seeking reassurances from Terramin, we have no confidence in their ability to undertake this mine in a way that will not harm the area’s unique environment and the families, businesses and communities who depend on it,” he said.
The submission is available on Terramin’s website and through the State Government’s mining and energy department website, the company said.
The State Government, and Energy and Mining Minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan will decide on the applications, which will also need to be signed off by Environment and Water Minister David Speirs.
Terramin’s 6000-page submission can be accessed here.
The government’s guidelines for public consultation and submissions can be accessed here.
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