Talking with communities about the Goldfields ground release

Communities around Rochester, Elmore, Lockington, Axedale and Goornong can learn about minerals exploration in their region at a series of community webinars starting later this month.

Communities around Rochester, Elmore, Lockington, Axedale and Goornong can learn about minerals exploration in their region at a series of community webinars starting later this month.

The Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions encourages locals to learn more about minerals exploration in the lead up to an announcement of successful tenderers as part of the North Central Victorian Goldfields Ground Release.

The webinars to be held in February and March will provide an overview of the ground release and an outline of the region’s geology. Minerals exploration, including how it is regulated and the licensing process, will also be explained.

Attendees will be able to submit questions at registration and during the one-hour sessions. These are taking place at:

• Thursday 25 February 10am – 11am
• Tuesday 2 March 1pm - 2pm
• Wednesday 10 March 7pm - 8pm

Minerals exploration has been underway in north central Victoria for decades, providing economic benefits to businesses and supporting jobs for locals.

The North Central Victorian Goldfields Ground Release has been a highly anticipated opportunity for the region with international interest in exploring for gold in this area sparked by the success of Victoria’s largest gold operation at Fosterville.

Tender submissions are being assessed by an independent panel, with support from advisory panels made up of regional leaders and Traditional Owners.

Each applicant’s technical capability, as well as their commitment to working closely with landholders, locals and Traditional Owners, is being assessed.

Minerals explorers want to understand local geology and look for evidence of minerals over a large area, they then typically focus their activities on a smaller area. Geological evidence suggests that there may be as much as 75 million ounces of undiscovered gold across northern Victoria.

Minerals exploration activity brings millions of dollars to regional Victoria and supports a wide range of businesses from specialist contractors and professional services through to motels, bakeries and service stations.

To learn more about minerals exploration and to register to attend the online information session visit earthresources.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Head of Resources John Krbaleski:

“Through this ground release, we’re seeking to attract high-calibre and capable minerals explorers, committed to working closely with landholders, communities and Traditional Owners.”

“It’s important that minerals exploration is understood in local communities where more companies are interested in looking for gold and other in-demand minerals.”

Contact: Mark Farrugia

Phone: (03) 8392 6913