The Victorian Government has approved exploration works at one of the most significant gold and antimony deposits in the state.
Premier Jacinta Allan said that the approval of the exploration tunnel for Southern Cross Gold’s Sunday Creek project will create many new jobs and support the resources industry.
“Critical minerals are the future and we’re backing the industry in Victoria, all while protecting the environment and our communities” she said.
The tunnel will enable underground drilling and exploration to begin on land the company owns, and will help Southern Cross Gold to understand the area’s mineralisation.
Related stories:
- Regional Queensland back the bioeconomy as jobs continue to surge
- Albanese and Trump shake hands over critical minerals framework
- Queensland Government secures $2.3 billion copper mine
Minster for energy and resources Lily D’Ambrosio said that this is a very important step forward for the project.
“Most drilling for the Sunday Creek project will now happen underground, reducing the impacts on those living near the work site, especially the impacts relating to noise and light,” she said.
Launched as part of the Economic Growth Statement, the Government’s Critical Minerals Roadmap aims to supporting the development of Victoria’s mineral resources whilst ensuring the community is engaged throughout the duration of the project.
It coincides with a large increase in development activity, particularly in north-west Victoria, which could support up to 7000 additional jobs in the coming decades.
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said that the resources industry is expected to see a surge in new job opportunities.
“Victoria is home to globally significant deposits of critical minerals and we’re backing projects that could lead to jobs in central Victoria,” she said.