Mines and quarries across north west Victoria can expect a visit from Resources Victoria’s Earth Resources Regulator this week as part of an ongoing initiative focusing on operational risk.
After a successful series of inspections in western Victoria earlier this year, the Earth Resources Regulator is on its way to sites in Swan Hill, Yarriambiack, Gannawarra and Buloke Shires between April 29 and May 1.
The inspections are part of a broader program to ensure operators are adequately managing risks. The information gathered will be used to inform future compliance audits and inspections.
Resources Victoria acting chief inspector Rebecca Carlton said mine and quarry operators are required to understand and implement the commitments in their work plan, including having an awareness of their extraction boundaries and limits, as well as their obligations to manage dust and noise.
“Mines and quarries in northwest Victoria should expect a visit from the regulator very soon,” Carlton said.
“To prepare for an onsite inspection operators should understand the work that they are permitted to undertake at their site.
“Appropriately managing operational risk at a resources site is crucial to protecting nearby communities, infrastructure and the environment.”
Key projects in the region include the historic Fosterville gold mine and the Costerfield antimony mine, as well as the recently approved Goschen rare earths and mineral sands project operated by VHM.
Goschen is in the early stages of construction, with production expected to be fully underway next year.
Goschen’s ore reserves are currently sitting around 199Mt, underpinned by 629Mt mineral resource inventory.
