November 26th, 2022Daylesford being explored for gold mine

A MINING company granted an exploratory license for gold mining
in May this year, has identified the Daylesford region as “highly
prospective but well underexplored in terms of the modern
exploration environment”.
Red Rock Australasia is exploring the old Ajax line, under the name Blue Angel
Project, in the western area of the town.
A company report written in July this year said the Ajax line “has a long and
productive history of gold production and is reported to have produced over 300,000
ounces from its start in the mid-1880s to final closure around the 1940s”.
“The line of workings at Ajax falls outside the township and largely within Crown
land providing opportunity of better access to the area. To date insufficient drilling
has been conducted to allow any formal assessment of any remaining potential ore
however the detail provided in the reports on historical mining along with old mine
plans and stope plans gives strong indication of ore continuing at depth, both down
dip and along strike.”
The report says with the Ajax line close to places such as the Boomerang Holiday
Ranch, “aside from the obvious controls on hours of operation for drilling and the
usual suppression of noise, dust and control for all fluids on site, other community
activities may impact upon the timing”.
“This may include environmental concerns over flora and fauna seasonality
breeding or growing. Given the community has a large transient and rental
population, many locally organised events will bring large visitor numbers to the
township and this will impact upon operations.
“Regardless, the intention is to look to validate and if possible upgrade the
exploration targets to a higher level of confidence late in 2022. The targets are
considered to be at a low level of confidence and will remain so until drilling has been
completed.”
Hepburn Shire Council CEO Bradley Thomas, in response to questions from
The Local, said the proposed works were exploration works “and (the) council has no
control over this or ability to intervene as it is managed and governed by the state
government through the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions”.
“Council has had an introductory meeting with Red Rock Mining and raised
a number of concerns, including emphasising the need to engage with the local
community.”
Deputy Mayor and Birch Ward councillor Lesley Hewitt said she understood Red
Rock Australasia had met with residents who may be impacted and there was some
concern about the impact, particularly on groundwater.
“Council officers met last week with Red Rock and we will continue to monitor
this in line with our legislated responsibilities and keep the community informed.”
Red Rock Australasia community and environmental liaison spokesperson Kiara
Reddingius said the company’s philosophy was to engage as early as possible, “to
make ourselves known and available in an area we could be interested in well before
we begin any on the ground studies”.
“We have made contact with the Hepburn Shire since before our licence was
granted. Once granted (May 2022), traditional owners and land managers across the
shire were contacted and introductory meetings arranged, so the company could be
known for any future enquiries and planning.
“Our community and environmental policy, along with many other resources are
available on our website, which explains our process on how we identify and consult
stakeholders.”
A Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions spokesperson said exploration
licence applications were advertised locally for community input and objections. The
granting of a licence requires companies to engage with the community.
The application was advertised last year in The Herald Sun and Ballarat Courier.

Image: Ballarat Heritage Services Picture Collection | Words: Donna Kelly