Silver and gold is worthless if greenies leave it in ground

Mining in NSW is now subject to the whims of ministers and activists. Just witness what happened to a gold mine that would have provided hundreds of jobs and hundreds of millions in mining royalties.

Welcome to the brave new world of regional development. City politicians visit the regions, declare support for local communities, and then impose new rules and regulations against the industries those same communities rely upon.

Two proposed mining operations were approved by the NSW government in April last year – but both are now at risk, along with 850 jobs and hundreds of millions in investment.

Goldmining helped build regional NSW. It remains one of our most valuable exports, with some of the world’s best deposits and mining operations.

The new McPhillamys Gold Project, near Blayney, could provide 300 jobs, and regional economic growth. The mine received NSW government approval after a three-year assessment, but the Greens and Environmental Defenders Office opposed the project

The proposed location of the open pit, processing plant and tailings dam at McPhillamys Gold Project which is located just outside of Orange, NSW. Picture: Supplied

A commonwealth cultural heritage objection was lodged. The relevant Aboriginal Land Council, with the legal right to speak on behalf of country, submitted the project would not affect any known sites or artefacts of high significance.

Yet, federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has stepped in, effectively blocking the project due to cultural heritage issues she says are so sensitive that she cannot publicly disclose them.

The Bowdens Silver mine, near Mudgee, was approved after a three-year assessment process.

Environment minister Tanya Plibersek.

Silver is on the NSW government’s critical minerals list. It is used for many applications, including the manufacture of solar panels and other renewable energy components.

Yet, silver mining in NSW is opposed by the Greens. The project has been targeted by legal activism. After several rounds of the courts, the project’s approval has now been overturned on administrative grounds, putting 550 potential jobs and more investment at risk.

So, here we are. The brave new world of regional development. The Greens oppose the mining of silver, even though it’s essential for the energy transition they claim to support. A minister blocks a goldmine on the basis of disputed cultural secrets, whispered in her ear.

Our regions cannot survive without investment, jobs and growth. A base of economic activity is critical for regional communities to build their prosperity. Yet, many of our key regional industries are under attack from rules, regulations and processes bordering upon Orwellian.

And the planning system is completely tilted against development, working in tandem with the legal system to hinder approvals at every step, or then overturn them in the courts.

Politicians rule over us most of the time. Elections are our opportunity to rule over them. With a federal election due soon, there will be an opportunity on polling day for sensible, rational, reasonable people to stand up and say “Enough is enough”.

— Stephen Galilee is CEO of the NSW Minerals Council