New Gympie Gold says mining permit, work will not affect houses

Fears that a new exploration permit over a large part of Gympie could directly impact backyards across the city have been addressed by the company bringing the mine back to life.

Aurum Pacific executive director Scott Dodd has moved to ally fears about the impact of a new mining exploration permit proposed for the Gympie region as part of his company's plans to resurrect the historic gold mine after real estate agent Ian Partington (inset) said homebuyers have raised their concerns about the lack of clarity on what is planned.

The company working to resurrect the historic Gympie gold mine has allayed fears homes could be impacted by exploration after more than one potential home buyer backed out.

Aurum Pacific executive director Scott Dodd on Wednesday rejected suggestions the company’s activities would have any impact on Gympie homeowners.

Mr Dodd’s comments came amid concerns raised by Elder Real Estate principle Ian Partington, who said a lack of clarity over a mining lease covering “a fairly large area of Gympie” was causing ripples of concern in the market.

The exploration permit at the centre of the concern would cover 153sq km, primarily over the city.

A notice proposing the permit be granted was issued by the Mining Department in May 2023.

There still remained a grace period of several months before the permit was given final approval.

A new proposed exploration permit covering 153sq km across Gympie has been lodged by New Gympie Gold but is still awaiting final approval.

A recent house sale near the Aquatic Centre in Tozer Park Road had fallen over following a property search which returned the mining application, Mr Partington said.

Other house hunters looking had likewise voiced concerns.

“The information that’s out there about what New Gympie Gold mining is planning to do is not clear,” Mr Partington said.

“There’s just not enough information.

“People make a lifetime decision about what they’re going to do with property … and that affects everybody.”

“If we’re being impacted by it then other people are being impacted by it; in turn it affects the economy.”

Mr Partington said his understanding was the company was only “trying to access what (mineral) was there already …” but clarity on the plan was lacking.

Mr Dodd was happy to provide it.

“No urban residential areas in Gympie will be explored by Aurum Pacific and, as such, urban residents will not be impacted,” Mr Dodd said.

“A very small number of rural (and) acreage properties including state government land outside of the urban area is covered under the exploration permit.

“Aurum Pacific has committed to mining operations taking place at depths hundreds of metres below ground level, meaning environmental and social impacts, including noise and disruption, can be carefully managed.

“Our objective is to get the Gympie Gold Mine restarted so we can support the creation of up to 200 permanent full-time jobs when the mine is fully operational, as well as inject billions of dollars into the local economy.”

New Gympie Gold and Aurum Pacific have been working to return the mine to life since 2017, with its plans becoming public in early 2021.

The mine could be up and working again by early 2024.