$412m gold mine gets crucial NTG enviro approvals

Mt Bundy gold mine has been granted key environmental approvals by the NT government. Read what it means.

Environmental approvals for Mt Bundy Gold Project’s proposed mine developments have been ticked-off.

Environment Minister Lauren Moss issued approvals for the $412m project which includes Mt Bundy’s Rustlers Roost and Quest 29 open-cut mine redevelopments.

Granted major project status by the NT government last year, Mt Bundy Gold Project wants to restart three mines about 100km south east of Darwin on the Arnhem Highway.

Mt Bundy gold mine.

Developers Primary Gold Pty Ltd want to recommence open cut gold mining at the two mines with expansion on existing pits and development of two new pits.

A third mine, underground operation Tom’s Gully, was granted environmental approvals in 2020.

Mining Minister Nicole Manison said Mt Bundy’s gold ore reserve had trebled to three-million ounces of gold through exploration and mining studies.

Capital works at the site include completion of a new bridge and commencement of geotechnical drilling.

Mining Minister Nicole Manison. Picture: Adnan Reza

Primary Gold is developing a definitive feasibility study as additional works take place over the next two years.

When operational, MBGP is expected to create 300 full time jobs over a decade.

Its estimated the mines will produce in excess of 135,000 ounces of gold a year.

Ms Manison said the mine would create hundreds of well-paid jobs in coming years.

“Gold is needed not just for jewellery and investments, but for the creation of electronics, high tech health care and aerospace, and the Northern Territory has the supply the world need,” she said.

“The Territory Labor government is delivering more mining projects, strengthening the economy and doing so in an environmentally responsible manner.”