WHAT IS THE BOWDENS SILVER PROJECT?
Bowdens Silver is the largest, undeveloped silver project in Australia and one of the largest globally. Located near the village of Lue, approximately 30 km east of Mudgee in central New South Wales, Australia, the project comprises mineral tenements covering 2,007 square kilometres (496,000 acres) across the mineralised Rylstone Volcanics on the western edge of the Great Dividing Range.
Since its discovery in the 1980s the project has had several owners and been subject to extensive exploration and development studies. Its appeal is in no small part due to its proximity to nearby towns with access to infrastructure, water supply, the power grid and a highly skilled, local workforce.
In June 2016, the project was bought by Silver Mines Limited after a downturn in the silver price saw the previous owners cease operations. A new and invigorated recommencement of activities is now under way and plans are in place for a more condensed and enhanced development. Our viable farming operations will continue alongside the development of the mine and together these integrated activities will bring many benefits to the district by way of direct employment, the supply of support industries, economic investment into the local communities and support for local development, educational and sponsorship initiatives.
WHERE ARE WE UP TO?
The Bowdens Silver project is currently completing the necessary requirements to complete and lodge the Environmental Impact Statement with the Department of Planning and Environment. To date a substantial body of high quality technical work has been completed both by previous owners and teams of respected independent consultants. This work covers all aspects of mine planning and development including a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement.
Extensive drilling has been completed and will be ongoing to further evaluate and define the resource area. In addition, the Feasibility Study has been completed and we have announced our Maiden Ore Reserve. The eventual mine development will produce substantial quantities of silver along with minor quantities of zinc and lead as bi-products.
The Environmental Impact Statement is planned to be lodged in 2020. For more information on the Environmental Impact Statement, see our environment page.
BOWDENS SILVER PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
Are you an amateur local photographer? We are looking for captivating images that celebrate the beauty of our local area. You could see your photo here and have your talent acknowledged by winning a major prize.
The Central West is full of amazing photo opportunities. The Bowdens Silver Photography Competition is seeking submissions of images from amateur photographers that capture the essence of life in this part of the world, be it people or landscapes. Each month the most outstanding photos will appear here on our website. At the end of the year, the top three photos from each month will be judged to find overall winners. There will be a separate category for school children.
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ELIGIBILITY and ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- The competition is open to amateur photographers of all ages living in the Mid-Western Regional Council area.
- Photos may be of any composition but should be taken within the district.
- Entries must be digital images and provided in jpeg or pdf format.
- We have a young photographer category so entries by school children should include their age.
- Photographers can submit a maximum of two photos each per month.
Submissions should be received by the 20th of each month. Late submissions will automatically be entered for the following month.
Email photos to: photos@bowdenssilver.com.au
Please include your full name and town as well as a brief description of when and where the photo was taken.
Site Weather Conditions
You can see the current weather readings from our meteorological monitoring stations on site by clicking on the icons*
* The data used in the compilation of this page have undergone only preliminary quality assurance checks. These data may require modification during final stages of validation as a result of calibration changes, power failures, instrument failures etc.
Mudgee Weather
Please click one of the links below to view our on-site weather station data. After you click the link you will be presented with a login page. Please use the login credentials below to access.
Username: silvermines | Password: weather
A SMARTER APPROACH TO MINING
As a modern society, we all rely on mining. Almost everything in our built environment contains elements extracted from the earth. Although new mining technologies and regulations have significantly improved mining efficiency and reduced environmental impact in recent years, we need to acknowledge the complex relationship between the mining industry and local communities in order to have a thriving and respected business with positive social and economic benefits.
At Bowdens Silver, we understand the importance of ensuring that our activities contribute as positively as possible and that we endeavour to minimise any negative impacts to both the environment and surrounding communities.
We promise transparency and we promise to continually strive to incorporate stakeholder interests including community interests and make sure that every aspect of our operation and facilities are not only in accordance with, but surpass the highest applicable health, safety and environmental and rehabilitation regulatory requirements.
DID YOU KNOW?
Although Silver was historically valued as a precious metal for its use in jewellery, coins and later in photography, its use today is primarily industrial. It is the best thermal and electrical conductor of all the metals, it is malleable and ductile meaning it can be stretched and moulded into any shape without breaking and it is antimicrobial and non-toxic.Whats Been Happening?
Latest Newsletters
The Bowdens Silver newsletters will be published regularly and will focus on development and operations updates as well as community-relevant news and announcements.
