The New South Wales Independent Planning Commission has approved the Bowdens Silver Project, an open cut silver, lead, and zinc mine located near the village of Lue.
The mine will extract and process up to two million tonnes of ore per annum (up to a maximum of approximately 30 million tonnes). It will operate over a period of approximately 23 years, including pre-mining construction, extraction and rehabilitation.
The Department of Planning and Environment completed the whole-of-government assessment of the mine in December 2022 before it came to the Commission for determination. The Commission met with key stakeholders, conducted a site inspection and locality tour, held a three-day public hearing in February 2023, and received more than 1,900 written submissions on the proposed development.
The Commission outlined its findings in relation to the Bowdens Silver Project in its Statement of Reasons for Decision and acknowledged the issues raised by the local community in relation to human health and amenity, water, traffic and transport, social impacts, economic impacts, Aboriginal cultural heritage, biodiversity, rehabilitation and final landform. Based on the whole-of-government assessment and the expert evidence before it, the Commission found that these issues were able to be appropriately managed through conditions of consent.
The imposed conditions seek to prevent, minimise and/or offset adverse impacts of the project and to ensure appropriate ongoing monitoring and management. Bowdens Silver will be required to “prepare and implement comprehensive management plans and will need to report on mitigation measures, monitoring results and compliance with performance criteria on an ongoing basis”.
The Commission also heard from the community in relation to the positive impacts the mine would have, including employment opportunities and benefits to local business. In the Statement of Reasons for Decision, the Commission noted “the demand for mineral resources in general, the specific demand for silver, and the considerable uses and applications of the metals in modern technology”.
The Panel acknowledged the efforts of the local community in writing submissions and presenting at the public hearing, with their input assisting the Panel in making a fully informed decision and applying appropriate conditions of consent.
Association of Mining and Exploration Company Chief Executive Officer, Warren Pearce, said, the approval of Bowdens Sliver Project just days after the Regis Resources’ McPhillamys Gold Project is a strong signal that New South Wales is open for business for the minerals industry.
“Both new mines have only been approved after many years of geological research and investigation, as well as extensive environmental and social impact assessment and independent assessment,” Mr Pearce said.
“These projects demonstrate the deep rich natural mineral wealth within New South Wales and the determination that explorers and miners have to maximise the resource potential of New South Wales for significant public benefit.”
Mr Pearce said these two new mines will create hundreds of local and regional jobs and bring millions of dollars of investment into the state.
“The McPhillamys Gold Project and Bowdens Silver Project will provide an important new supply of gold, silver and other minerals that are in high demand around the world,” Mr Pearce said.
“These minerals will be extracted with world class compliance to leading environmental and social standards. Stringent compliance and standards are of growing importance to industry, governments, investors and the wider community.
“We congratulate the dedication and perseverance of the teams involved to bring forward these significant developments for New South Wales.”
Mr Pearce said AMEC looks forward to further opportunities to work with the minerals industry, the New South Wales Government and the broader community, to support the growing minerals industry in New South Wales.
