The Northern Territory Government has brought the Mt Bundy Gold Project one step closer with environmental approvals granted for the Rustlers Roost and Quest 29 open-cut mine redevelopment.
This major milestone is a crucial part of the Mt Bundy Gold Project approval process.
Granted Major Project Status in 2022, the Mt Bundy Gold Project proposes to restart three mines approximately 100km south-east of Darwin on the Arnhem Highway.
Proponents, Primary Gold, plan to recommence open cut gold mining in Rustlers Roost and Quest 29, with expansion of all existing open cut pits and the development of two additional new pits.
The third mine, Tom’s Gully, an underground mine, was granted environmental approval in 2020.
Since 2018, the gold ore reserve has increased from one million ounces to three million ounces of gold through exploration and mining studies.
Early construction has begun, with the completion of a new bridge and the commencement of geotechnical drilling.
The company is advancing the Definitive Feasibility Study with Mintrex Engineering, with further construction to take place following its completion over 2023 and 2024.
Once operations commence, the Mt Bundy Gold Project is expected to create 300 full time jobs for ten years.
It is estimated the $412 million project will produce in excess of 135,000oz of gold, on average, each year.
Northern Territory Minister for Mining and Industry, Nicole Manison, said the Mt Bundy Gold Project is great news for local jobs and mining near Darwin, creating hundreds of well-paying jobs for the next decade.
“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 needs,” Ms Manison said.
“The Territory Government is delivering more mining projects, strengthening the economy and doing so in an environmentally responsible manner.”
