Edenhope minerals licence applications open for comment

Mitre Hill Pty Ltd has applied for 12 minerals exploration licences and the public submission periods for these applications are now open.

Applications have been made to search for deposits of minerals sands in the Edenhope area.

Mitre Hill Pty Ltd has applied for 12 minerals exploration licences and the public submission periods for these applications are now open.

Minerals sands are used in a range of everyday products and can contain rare earth elements which could be vital inputs for wind turbine magnets, rechargeable batteries and hybrid cars.

Earth Resources Regulation encourages locals to learn more about minerals exploration in their region and the licensing application process, which provides an opportunity for community members to make submissions.

Public comments on the applications can be made at the Have Your Say page on the Earth Resources website until 6 April.

Following public submission periods in January, two other minerals exploration licences were recently granted to Oro Plata Pty Ltd, who will search for minerals sands north and south of Edenhope.

A recent separate announcement was made about 11,000 square kilometres of new ground in the Wimmera being available for minerals exploration licence applications from 2 May 2022.

Minerals exploration is very different to mining. Explorers use mostly low-impact methods to understand local geology and look for evidence of minerals over a large area, then typically focus activities on a smaller zone.

If an exploration licence is granted and a commercially viable deposit is identified, a separate process toward mining would involve environmental assessment and extensive local engagement.

In Victoria before an explorer can access privately-owned land and commence exploration activities, the explorer requires landholder consent. Land access consent tools are available to aid negotiations and these can be accessed at the agreeing access to private land page.

Quotes attributable to Earth Resources Regulation Executive Director Anthony Hurst:  

“We encourage locals to make their voices heard during the licence application process.”

“All public submissions will be carefully considered as part of the decision on licence applications based on the criteria set out in Victoria’s minerals laws.”

Contact: Mark Farrugia

Phone: 03 8392 6913