Regulator puts Ballarat mine operator on notice

Earth Resources Regulation is taking action to ensure that the operator of one of Victoria’s major gold mines complies with its site obligations and minimises operational risks to protect the environment and land.

Earth Resources Regulation is taking action to ensure that the operator of one of Victoria’s major gold mines complies with its site obligations and minimises operational risks to protect the environment and land.

The regulator has issued a notice to Ballarat Gold Mine operators Balmaine Gold to stop using a waste rock dump, which exceeded the company’s site approvals.

Operations at Ballarat Gold Mine will be able to continue, with the company using other areas at the mine which have been approved to store waste rock.

The company has been ordered to develop and implement a plan to control risks associated with the use of the waste rock dump.

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

“The Victorian resources sector is booming with high gold prices and record minerals exploration.”

“Operators are obliged to do the right thing and manage risks to the environment and land that are associated with their activities by operating within their approvals.”

“We’re working closely with Balmaine Gold to ensure the risks associated with mining at Ballarat Gold Mine are minimised and necessary controls are in place.”

Contact: Mark Farrugia

Phone: (03) 8392 6913