Talking with local communities about minerals exploration

Communities around Bright, Harrietville, Myrtleford and Yackandandah can learn about minerals exploration in their region at a community webinar later this month.

Communities around Bright, Harrietville, Myrtleford and Yackandandah can learn about minerals exploration in their region at a community webinar later this month.

The Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions encourages locals to learn more about ongoing minerals exploration in their region and how to make their voices heard in the licensing process for proposed projects.

An online community webinar will be held at 7pm on Thursday 18 February to provide an overview of the region’s geology and explain minerals exploration, including how it is regulated and the licensing system.

Attendees will be able to submit questions at registration and during the one-hour session.

This session has been organised in response to an increase in minerals exploration licence applications and ongoing activity looking for evidence of gold and in-demand 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 zone. Explorers must adhere to a Code of Practice in undertaking mostly low impact activities such as mapping, surveying and sampling.

Minerals exploration and mining are very different processes and only one per cent of exploration leads to mining. If a commercially viable minerals deposit is identified, a separate and longer process towards mining involves environmental assessment and extensive local engagement.

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 servos.

In 2018, the Victorian Government released the state’s first minerals resources strategy, State of Discovery, which has a key focus on balancing the benefits of minerals projects with ensuring communities can engage with the sector.

Learn more about minerals exploration and register to attend the online information session.

Quotes attributable to Head of Resources John Krbaleski:

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

“Assisting locals to learn more about minerals exploration and share their views on potential projects is essential to maintaining a socially and environmentally responsible resources sector.”

“We have seen a rise in minerals exploration licence applications across the state including north-east Victoria.”

Contact: Mark Farrugia

Phone: (03) 8392 6913