Discover more about local minerals exploration

The Department of Jobs Precincts and Regions is holding online information sessions to update locals about minerals exploration between Glenthompson, Caramut and Mortlake.

The Department of Jobs Precincts and Regions is holding online information sessions to update locals about minerals exploration between Glenthompson, Caramut and Mortlake.

The sessions will cover explorer obligations, environmental safeguards and tools available to help landholders. There will also be an opportunity for questions and answers.

Recently Earth Resources Regulation issued Victorian-based Westrock Minerals a Minerals Exploration Licence following the 2018 Stavely Ground Release. Westrock Minerals representatives will attend the online sessions and be available to answer questions.

Attendees can register to attend one of three online sessions.

Minerals exploration brings economic benefits such as spending on local services to regional communities.

Westrock Minerals’ proposed work program includes expenditure of up to $7 million over the licence term.  Westrock Minerals has qualified for a $500,000 co-funded grant from the Victorian Government’s TARGET Minerals Exploration Initiative to help with early-stage exploration.

Generally, early-stage exploration activities such as mapping, sampling and rock testing, are the first steps in establishing if minerals are present.

In Victoria, before an explorer can access privately-owned land and commence exploration activities, the explorer requires landholder consent or must have a written compensation agreement.

Land access consent tools are available to aid negotiations between private landholders and exploration companies. Templates will help both parties agree on things like access to private property, biosecurity protocols and managing any impacts on crops, and potential compensation.

These voluntary tools, designed to be tailored for the specific needs and circumstances of the landholder, have been developed in consultation with the exploration industry and the Victorian Farmers Federation.

Quotes attributable to Executive Director, Earth Resources Policy and Programs, Jane Burton:

“Minerals exploration is the first step in establishing if minerals are present. If further development is considered viable, it typically takes many years to progress toward mining, including meeting regulatory controls.

“We’re hosting sessions so residents can learn more about minerals exploration, the responsibilities of explorers and the safeguards in place to protect them and their properties.”

“The land access consent tools strike the right balance between minerals exploration and the ability of rural landholders to negotiate a fair agreement for access to their property.”

Contact: Mark Farrugia

Phone: (03) 8392 6913