The Northern Territory Government has granted approval for a formerly shuttered gold mine in Pine Creek to resume operations.
The Fountain Head gold project, operated by Patronus Resources (formerly PNX Metals), is an open-cut gold mine first developed in 2008, that has since been under care and maintenance.
According to the NT Government, Patronus Resources has met its regulatory requirements under the new Environment Protection Act 2019 and is now authorised to proceed operations following the approval of its deemed mining licence.
NT Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley said the move supports the state Government’s priority to actively promote mining projects and attract investment to drive economic growth, especially in regional areas.
“This is good news for the Pine Creek region, local businesses and the local community,” he said.
“Our mining and resources sector contributes over $6 billion to our economy, creates thousands of jobs for Territorians, and supports regional businesses.”
In addition to recommencement of mining of 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 management of water
- construction of an integrated waste landform to store mine waste
- rehabilitation of the project once it is complete.
The Fountain Head project holds an estimated three million tonnes of gold-bearing ore within its existing pit.
A new gold mill at Fountain Head would also create opportunities for other nearby gold resources, such as Glencoe and Mount Porter to be developed.
NT 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 NT 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.
“Pine Creek is the historic epicentre of gold mining in the Territory, and this is exciting news for the local economy and jobs, for the regional businesses that will benefit from the revival of this important project,” he said.
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