SOUTHERN Cross Gold’s Sunday Creek Project has had a new exploration tunnel approved – and naturally, it has brought significant attention to the project as more minerals could be discovered.
The project was announced by the Victorian Government last Thursday, in which the tunnel is slated to reduce community impacts for noise and light while underground drilling and exploration goes on.
The new project is set to create 100 to 150 jobs, according to Southern Cross Gold, while also creating opportunities for local contractors.
The new tunnel has been approved as research from the Geological Survey of Victoria suggests there may be a large antimony resource in Central Victoria than believed previously.
The tunnel will be around 150 metres deep and 600 metres long, with construction of the exploration tunnel to take six to nine months.
To minimise traffic, buses will take workers to and from the site, avoiding school bus times.
Southern Cross Gold Consolidated President and CEO/Managing Director Michael Hudson said the work plan approval does not mean mining and processing can begin at the site.
“Southern Cross Gold Consolidated is still only permitted to undertake exploration activities which will help us to understand the Sunday Creek resource more quickly,” he said.
“The licence does not permit us to mine for minerals nor does it guarantee that a mining license will be approved. A mine licence requires a separate, comprehensive approval process.”
Mr Hudson said feedback from residents was considered from the formulation of the plan.
“We shared our plans with community members from the earliest possible stage and their feedback has been incorporated into the project’s final design,” he said.
“We will continue to keep the community updated on any plans and activities and will let residents know before any construction begins.”
Mr Hudson said dust and noise suppression techniques will also keep the community front of mind.
“While the exploration tunnel will enable drilling to occur 24 hours per day from underground, we will continue surface exploration drilling during the day as well,” he said.
“We will monitor dust and noise emissions so that activities can be adjusted if needed.”
Local jobs remain the focus for Southern Cross Gold, according to Mr Hudson.
“With the increase in rigs, we will be hiring more local people to train as field assistants, creating more employment opportunities. We also deliberately focus on using local businesses, which will further support local economic development,” he said.
“We support local initiatives, volunteer organisations, sporting clubs and events across the region, and we work closely with neighbours, landholders and community groups to ensure open communication.
“This year we have welcomed a number of local people into new roles across the business. Many of our staff are locals, and this announcement will further accelerate that growth, creating additional jobs at our Kilmore core shed and on site.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said it was a project which helps support the mineral industry in Victoria.
“Critical minerals are the future and we’re backing the industry in Victoria – while protecting the environment and our communities,” she said.
Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, said it was also a boost to the industry in Central Victoria.
“Victoria is home to globally significant deposits of critical minerals and we’re backing projects that could lead to jobs in central Victoria,” she said.
While seeing the positives of a local employer creating more jobs in Sunday Creek, Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said she also expected the local community to get engagement for the works throughout the process.
“With the project now moving to an underground exploration tunnel, impacts such as noise and light for nearby residents are expected to be reduced. It is vital that the assessment of environmental and community impacts remains thorough as this work progresses,” she said.
“Local communities rightly expect clear information, genuine engagement, and strong protections at every stage of exploration. I will continue to monitor the development closely to ensure the voices of residents, landholders, and local businesses are heard.
“The prospect of a significant local employer is welcomed, provided that lasting, high-quality jobs are created. Throughout the process, I have engaged with Southern Cross Gold, community groups, and local stakeholders to get feedback and understanding of this significant region building project.”
