Michaela Meade
A proposal for gold mining in Wombat State Forest, Blackwood, is being protested by over 5000 residents.
Cauldron Energy, an exploration and development company, have acquired tenements in the area for gold mining projects, and have several exploratory activities in their pipeline, as outlined in an investor presentation available on its website.
There are other companies who are reportedly applying for licences to complete their own exploratory mining projects, including Nuggety Gold Mining and Currawong Resources.
According to the presentation, there is “potential for high grade gold ore” to be mined out of the area.
The presentation said historical attempts to mine in the area were limited by several factors.
“Historic goldfield mining stopped by lack of water pumping technology and lack of manpower due to [World War One],” the presentation said.
“Most abandoned mines in the field are still in ore.”
The presentation said activity being interrupted by war and tough economic times, as well as equipment for pumping at the time not able to keep water out of the mines, were reasons for the area’s gold ore not being mined previously.
Community group No Wombat Gold has launched a petition to attempt to block the project.
The petition was published on Sunday, October 10 and has garnered over 5600 signatures.
The group held a “no consent” protest last week after eight residents received consent forms, asking for permission for exploratory drilling within 100 metres of their houses.
“Communities around Victoria, especially in old gold mining areas, are fighting the rash of exploration licences across the state,” the petition said.
“Common concerns [about the mining projects] are water quality and the impact on the environment/tourism.”
Details: bit.ly/3BLCuNM
