The Northern Territory Government has given approval for a Pine Creek gold mine to resume operations, demonstrating a commitment to promote mining projects and attract investment into regional areas.
The Fountain Head Gold Project, operated by Patronus Resources, is an open-cut gold mine first developed in 2008 that has since been under care and maintenance.
Under care and maintenance, production is stopped, but the site is managed to ensure it remains in a safe and stable condition.
Patronus Resources has met its regulatory requirements under the new Environment Protection Act 2019 and is now authorised to proceed with operations after the Territory Government approved its deemed mining licence (DML).
Northern Territory Minister for Mining and Energy, Gerard Maley, said the approval is good news for the Pine Creek region, local businesses and the community.
“Our mining and resources sector contributes over $6 billion to our economy, creates thousands of jobs for Territorians, and supports regional businesses. Our government is committed to backing and getting more of these projects off the ground.”
The Fountain Head Gold Project’s existing pit holds an estimated three million tonnes of gold-bearing ore. A new gold mill at Fountain Head would also create opportunities to develop nearby gold resources, such as Glencoe and Mount Porter.
In addition to the recommencement of mining at the Fountain Head open pit, the proposed activities of the mine also include:
- Construction of a mill for processing gold ore
- Construction of an evaporation pond for the management of water
- Construction of an integrated waste landform to store mine waste
- Rehabilitation of the project once it is complete
Northern Territory Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment, Joshua Burgoyne, said, “This is the first mine approved to restart operations and transition out of care and maintenance under the Northern Territory Government’s updated regulatory process.”
It follows the repeal of the Mining Management Act 2001 and changes to the Environment Protection Act 2019 for mining regulation.
“Our government is focused on rebuilding the Territory’s economy, and that means doing what we can to get projects like this up and running,” Mr Burgoyne said.
“An important part of the process is ensuring compliance with environmental safeguards. The Northern Territory Government is cutting red tape, not cutting corners.
“Pine Creek is the historic epicentre of gold mining in the Territory, and this is exciting news for the local economy and jobs, and for the regional businesses that will benefit from the revival of this important project.”
Patronus Resources’ CEO, John Ingram, said thanked the Norther Territory Government for its efficient management and oversight of this process.
“We are delighted with the timely receipt of the MMP approval from Minister Burgoyne. This is an important regulatory approval which allows us to move the Fountain Head Project forward.
“We are looking forward to receiving assay results from the current RC drilling at Glencoe and the imminent commencement of diamond drilling at Fountain Head, as part of a new phase of work aimed at expanding and upgrading the current resources to inform future development scenarios.”
