New proposed gold mine near Bathurst lodges development application
Regis Resources has lodged its development application for a gold mine near Bathurst.
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A proposed open-cut gold mine near Bathurst would create more than 350 jobs in the region and generate more than $2.4 billion in economic value over 10 years.
West Australian gold miner Regis Resources recently lodged its development application for the McPhillamys Gold Project, located about 30km west of Bathurst and 8km north of Blayney.
Gold was first discovered in the region in 1851, triggering the first major gold rush in NSW’s central west.
The proposed gold project is expected to create 350 jobs during the construction phase and 260 ongoing jobs during the 10-year life of the mine.
According to a July 2018 preliminary environmental assessment, the mine will contribute between $30 million-$35 million each year in wages, $150 million-$170 million in goods and services to the economy, and $8 million each year in royalties, plus $23 million annually in taxes, rates and other government fees and charges.
Over the decade the mine is expected to be operational this equates to at least $2.4 billion in economic value.
Regis managing director Jim Beyer said the gold bullion mined at the site would be sent to Australian gold mints for further refining, storage and then sale. “It is currently expected that construction and mine development would take approximately 12-14 months, with operations to commence immediately after that,” he told The Saturday Telegraph.
“The NSW assessment process is thorough, detailed and rigorous, as you would expect for a large and complex project like a gold mine.
“In support of this Regis has undertaken years of detailed studies and planning, which is essential for the effectiveness of the process.”
Planning documents show the mine would process 7 million tonnes of ore each year via an open-pit mining method, with the pit covering about 70ha. Exploratory drilling estimates the mine has about 2.3 million ounces of gold, which would be extracted at a rate of about 150,000 to 200,000 ounces each year.
The miner is planning to build an 80km water pipeline from Lithgow, which it says will result in the mine having a minimal impact on the local surface and groundwater.
Regis submitted its state significant development application and environmental impact statement to the NSW Department of Planning on July 17.
The documents will now be reviewed before going on public exhibition in the local area.
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