Tasmanian gold mine given green light to restart after bitter government dispute
Tasmania's Hellyer Gold Mine has received approval to restart operations after addressing serious compliance breaches that forced government regulators to shut down the west coast facility last month.
Tasmania’s Director of Mines says the Hellyer Gold Mine can now lawfully recommence operations following “satisfactory action by the operator to address outstanding issues”.
Director of Mines Alastair Morton confirmed on Friday that mining activities can now recommence at the gold mine on Tasmania’s west coast, after the government suspended operations in November over what it said were multiple and serious breaches of the company’s obligations under the Mineral Resources Development Act 1995.
“Mining operations at the site were halted on 11 November 2025 in response to multiple and serious breaches of statutory obligations including substantial unpaid debts and operational noncompliances,” Mr Morton said.
On Monday, Hellyer Gold Mines CEO Graham Cox denied owing anything to the government and claimed the cease‑work notice was “unlawful”.
Mr Cox said Hellyer Gold Mines had recently provided documented evidence of its stable financial position, and that “Hellyer Gold Mines has complied with every single request made by the regulator.”
The Mercury contacted Hellyer Gold Mines for further comment but did not receive a response by publication.
On Friday Mr Morton said the government had been working closely with the mine over recent weeks to rectify issues.
“Hellyer has either addressed or has formally undertaken to address the outstanding noncompliances in a timely fashion, therefore it is appropriate that mining operations be approved to recommence on site,” he said.
Mr Morton said Hellyer had provided a mining plan to Mineral Resources Tasmania (MRT) for assessment, which has now been approved, meaning that mining operations at the site can now lawfully recommence.
“MRT and Hellyer have worked through a number of significant and complex matters in a short period of time with the aim to provide certainty to the employees and contractors of the Hellyer Gold Mine,” Mr Morton said.
He said there are about 500 mining leases in Tasmania that MRT regularly inspects for compliance, with the vast majority of mines operating to a high standard that complies with Tasmania’s rigorous regulatory framework.
“MRT will always take action if we think that it is necessary to do so, to uphold the integrity of our regulatory framework and protect the interests of the Tasmanian community,” he said.
Originally published as Tasmanian gold mine given green light to restart after bitter government dispute
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