December 4th, 2022Mining exploration concerns: council responds

The Hepburn Shire Council has responded to community concerns regarding proposed mining exploration in the Daylesford area.

The council released a prepared statement last week stating that it “recognises there is community concern about potential adverse environmental and social impact of exploratory mining activities following the Victorian Government’s decision to issue an exploratory license to Red Rock Mining”.

The statement continued:
The Victorian Government is the regulatory authority with responsibility for considering,
granting or refusing mining licences of any nature. The process is managed and governed
through the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.”
“Council believes the issuing of mining exploration licences near towns and potentially in high
value environmental, tourism and agricultural land creates understandable community
concern,” said Mayor, Cr Brian Hood.
“Council has had an introductory meeting with Red Rock Mining in which it emphasised the need
to engage with the local community on their exploration activities,” he said.
The council’s statement continued:

“Minerals exploration is different to mining. Explorers use mostly low-impact methods to
understand local geology and look for evidence of minerals over a large area, then typically focus
activities on a smaller zone.
“If a commercially viable deposit is identified a separate process toward mining would involve
environmental assessment, a potential planning permit application and local community
consultation.”
“It is somewhat reassuring that prior to proceeding with any mining activity the exploration
license holder is required to adhere to more thorough regulatory, community consultation,
geological and environmental approval processes,” said Cr Hood.
“Exploration companies require landholder consent before accessing private land. I encourage
anyone impacted to find out more about their rights at the Earth Resources website,
www.earthresources.vic.gov.au/landaccess.”