East Gippsland gold miner in court

A mine company has agreed to contribute $10,000 to community initiatives and apologise to local land owners following an investigation by the state's mining regulator.

A mine company has agreed to contribute $10,000 to community initiatives and apologise to local land owners following an investigation by the state's mining regulator.

After appearing in Bairnsdale Magistrates Court, Mt Wills Gold Mines Pty Ltd agreed to pay $10,000 to a Court Fund, which will be distributed to local community initiatives, and write letters of apology to private land owners affected by its actions.

If it fails to make the payment or apologise to land owners, the company may be subject to further sanctions.

Earth Resources Regulation alleged that Mt Wills Gold Mines conducted excavations without authorisation on private and Crown land in the Mt Wills-Omeo area in late 2017.

Earth Resources Regulation regulates mining in Victoria to protect public safety, property and the environment. It initiated an investigation in response to a landowner complaint.

The mining regulator alleged that the company failed to notify it before undertaking the works and obtain permission from landowners or have a compensation agreement for land access in place.

Quotes attributable to Earth Resources Regulation’s Executive Director Anthony Hurst

“Mine licence holders must work closely with local farmers and other landholders to get their consent before undertaking work.”

“Earth Resources Regulation will step in to protect communities, property and environments if safeguards are breached.”

Contact: Mark Farrugia

Phone: (03) 8392 6913