News

This month, we mailed an update on the Bowdens Silver Project, including answers to frequently asked questions from the local community. If you didn’t receive a copy in the mail, please use the link below to view it –

Bowdens Silver Project Community Newsletter – October 2024

This update is to advise of upcoming exploration activities planned to commence by Bowdens Silver.

Bowdens Silver has approval to conduct drilling within Exploration Licence 8403 at the historically named Bara Creek Prospect. This work follows regional exploration work that has defined the area to be of geological interest. Dependent on results, the program is due to be conducted over a period of 3-6 months.

Drilling will be completed with one small-footprint diamond drill rig, associated field crew and geological support teams including light vehicles and other support vehicles from time to time. Activities are planned to commence in mid October. Although gaining approval to conduct operations 7 days a week, Bowdens Silver will only be drilling between Monday to Friday within the hours of 7.00am and 5.00pm. Non-drilling activities such as maintenance may occur outside of these hours.  Residents may notice a small increase in vehicle movements along Maloneys and Bara Roads during these times.

Further information can be obtained by calling (02) 6373 6420 or via email at information@bowdenssilver.com.au.

Friday’s decision by the NSW Court of Appeal to uphold Bingman Landcare’s Appeal has been labelled disappointing by Bowdens Silver but the company remains fully committed to the project and is working towards obtaining the final relevant permits and move to the development phase of the mine.

Managing Director, Jo Battershill said, “whilst Friday’s decision to remove our development consent is extremely disappointing, the company remains committed, and we will work with stakeholders including the NSW Government and our legal team to review all options available to us.

“The Project has undergone an extremely thorough assessment and approval process to get to this position,” Jo Battershill said.

The split judicial decision focused on the approval of a potential power transmission line to the project which was intended to be assessed through a separate planning approval pathway, and the company has been examining a number of options to provide power requirements for the mine site.

The rest of the project was subject to a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement process. The independent umpire, the NSW Independent Planning Commission approved the project and at the time noted that it was “satisfied that the Project can meet all relevant requirements for protecting human health and safety and that on balance, the Application is in the public interest.”

“We have been part of this community for many years now, and we know that whilst there are some detractors, the region supports a responsible mining industry that in turn provides significant economic and social benefits, including from this project with the creation of over 320 jobs during construction and 220 ongoing jobs,”.

“We are very aware that the decision handed down by the Court of Appeal will create uncertainty within the broader, supportive community around the region. We will be in regular consultation with our stakeholders to reaffirm our support across all areas of community engagement and existing sponsorship programs” Jo Battershill said.

From a state perspective, silver and zinc are both part of the NSW Government’s Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy which are vital components in the transition to a decarbonised future. The successful development of the Bowdens Silver Project forms part of a much larger picture for the future success of the region and the State.

“We will continue to keep all stakeholders informed on the progress of the Project as next steps unfold” Jo Battershill said.

The New South Wales Parliamentary Inquiry into “current and potential impacts of gold, silver, lead and zinc mining on human health, land, air and water quality in New South Wales” has concluded with its final report published on Friday 15 December 2023.

The findings and recommendations of the Inquiry highlight the importance of mining to the New South Wales economy, the rigorous nature of the planning approval processes as well as the robustness of the regulatory bodies that administer the industry. The report also highlights the importance of the metalliferous mining industry’s role in the transition to net zero.

In the Company’s view, the findings and recommendations will not result in any material change for the development or production operations of the Bowdens Silver Project.

For instance, certain recommendations have been made for the mining industry and if put into effect by the Government, will not alter the development or production operations of the Bowdens Silver Project. As an example, the Inquiry has recommended more detailed environmental monitoring for the mining industry, however, this will not affect Bowdens Silver as we have committed to best practice for our comprehensive monitoring systems and thorough management and environmental plans.

The Inquiry published the following findings:

1. That mining is a significant industry for the New South Wales economy, employing 4,000 workers contributing $28.8 billion in Gross State Product and providing $4.65 billion in government revenue from royalties. Mining plays a significant role in regional economies in local employment, and supporting local community groups.
2. That metals and minerals mining is of particular importance for the transition to net zero and for Australia’s sovereign capability. Use of NSW’s mineral resources provides significant export opportunities as well as the potential to develop and expand domestic processing and manufacturing of these minerals.
3. The Environment Protection Authority operates under a regulatory framework which generally includes a strong toolkit with which to regulate pollution incidents.
4. The maximum penalty of $15,000 for Tier 3 offences under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 is often inadequate and can fail to act as a deterrent to large or multinational companies.
5. That water metal level testing conducted by the Environment Protection Authority concludes drinking water near the Cadia mine is within the National Safe Water Guidelines.
6. That there may be a concern for the quality of water within tanks throughout the state.
7. That recent soil testing conducted by the EPA drew the same results as soil testing conducted prior to Cadia’s construction.
8. That the regulatory bodies work across the mining sector and the detailed frameworks they administer, are fundamentally sound.

The entire report and recommendations to government can be found here.

Further to our previously advised correspondence below, due to changes made by our contractors, the planned blasting activities associated with the bulk sampling program have been further rescheduled and are now planned to occur on Friday 22 December 2023. This is due to occur within a window from 10am to 2pm with Maloneys Road being temporarily closed for 30 minutes at time of blasting to ensure road user and contractor safety.

We are hopeful that there are no more unexpected delays and apologise for any inconvenience.

15/12/23 Rescheduled Exploration Activities & Short Closure of Maloneys Road

This notice is to update community members on our previously advised and subsequently rescheduled activities occurring at the Bowdens Silver Project.

Bulk Sample Program & Short Closure of Maloneys Road

Preparation work including earthworks and drilling have been completed for the bulk sampling program that is located within the approved open cut pit area in three locations east of Maloneys Road. The remainder of the program will involve the collection of ore for metallurgical tests at three identified areas and the initiation of blasts to dislodge the required material. Screening and loading of material for transport will also occur. As part of our normal exploration procedures, pre-activity clearance checks will be conducted to ensure the safety of any wildlife in the vicinity. These activities will occur Monday to Friday between the hours of 7am to 6pm.

Due to changes to the program, we will now only be conducting two small explosive blasts. As such, Maloneys Road will be closed in the vicinity of the activity. This closure will be for approximately 30 minutes and dependent on operational requirements and weather conditions, will occur around 2:00pm on the most suitable day between Tuesday 19th December 2023 and Thursday 21st December 2023. Traffic management will be in place along Maloneys Road to ensure the safety of road users and contractors. During the short closure period, road users may need to utilise Bara Road if required.

The bulk sampling program, including blasting, is an exploration activity that has been approved by the NSW Resources Regulator under our Exploration Licence 5920 and is not related to mine commencement. The temporary road closure has been approved by Mid-Western Regional Council on behalf of the licensed blasting contractor.

22/11/23 UPDATE: Please be advised that our planned blasts and short closure of Maloneys Road that were due to occur this afternoon have been postponed. Once these activities have been rescheduled, we will advise of updated details in due course.

This notice is to update community members on activities at the Bowdens Silver Project site at Lue as part of ongoing exploration for the Bowdens Silver Project.

Bulk Sample Program

As previously advised, a bulk sampling program is planned to occur on site. Due to contractor availability, this program that was due to commence in September is occurring on site in the coming week. This work will be happening within the approved open cut pit area in three locations east of Maloneys Road. The program will involve the collection of ore for metallurgical tests. The program will involve the drilling of three identified areas and the initiation of blasts to dislodge the required material. Screening and loading of material for transport will also occur. These activities will occur Monday to Friday between the hours of 7am to 6pm.

Short Closure of Maloneys Road

Due to the program involving the initiation of three small explosive blasts, Maloneys Road will be closed in the vicinity of the activity for approximately 30 minutes around 2:00pm on Wednesday 22^nd November 2023. Traffic management will be in place along Maloneys Road to ensure the safety of road users and contractors. During the short closure period, road users may need to utilise Bara Road if required.

All work will be conducted in line with the relevant state and local government approvals.

Further information can be obtained by calling (02) 6373 6420 or via email at information@bowdenssilver.com.au

This notice is to update community members on Project Optimisation activities planned at the Bowdens Silver Project site at Lue and regional exploration within Exploration Licences as part of ongoing exploration for the Bowdens Silver Project.

Bowdens Silver Project Site (within MLA601):

Sterilisation and Exploration Drilling

Drilling is planned to continue at the Bowdens Silver Project near Lue, with a focus to sterilise a number of areas that are required for construction of infrastructure as part of the Mine Development. Drilling will predominantly be within the planned waste rock emplacement area and will commence in September 2023, continuing throughout 2024. Activities will mainly occur Monday to Friday in line with relevant government approvals.

Bulk Sample Program

A bulk sampling program is also planned to occur at the Bowdens Silver Project near Lue over approximately two weeks in September 2023. This will occur within the approved open cut pit area in three locations east of Maloneys Road. The program will involve the collection of approximately 21 tonnes of ore to inform further metallurgical test work and future ore recovery rates. This activity will occur Monday to Friday in line with relevant government approvals.

Regional Exploration:

Seismic Survey

A seismic survey will be completed within eight of the Company’s Exploration Licences to commence in late August and continue throughout September 2023. The activity involves mechanically dropping a steel plate on the ground and measuring the seismic response via receivers placed approximately 10cm into the ground. It will be conducted along certain sections of the public road reserves of Bara-Lue Road, Maloneys Road, Pyangle Road, Botobolar Road, Bara Road, Wollar Road, Jennings Road, Bylong Valley Way and Cudgegong Road as well as private land. The activity will utilise a tractor or bobcat to generate the seismic source and typically moves quickly along pre-defined lines. Traffic management will be in place along the public roads to ensure the safety of road users and contractors. Access to private properties will not be impacted. The activity will occur Monday to Sunday in line with local and state government approvals.

Further information can be obtained by calling (02) 6373 6420, via email at information@bowdenssilver.com.au