Fosterville Gold Mine expansion plans approved by Victoria's planning minister
Victoria's largest gold mine has been given the green light to expand by the state government, despite the concerns of neighbouring residents.
Fosterville Gold Mine, 20 kilometres east of Bendigo, plans to extend its underground operations and build the infrastructure it needs to keep mining for at least another 10 years.
It includes construction of new tailings storage, a brine evaporation pond and a waste rock dump.
Fosterville Gold Mine's operations caused a 3.6 magnitude earthquake last November, resulting in 12 reports of building damage from nearby residents.
Last year, members of the community told an inquiry assessing the environmental impacts of the extension proposal they had been kept awake by noise from the mine and underground blasting had damaged their homes.
Hydrologist Phillip Macumber reviewed the plans on behalf of a group of residents and told the inquiry it was his opinion "the whole mine system is contaminating groundwater and surface water systems".
However, Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny has approved the mine's environmental effects statement (EES), ruling the potential impacts can be acceptably managed, provided the mine adopts stronger environmental management practices and amended mitigation measures.
One resident, who declined to be named, said they were "shocked and devastated" by the decision, but needed more details before commenting further.
The inquiry has recommended a new surface water monitoring system to minimise the impacts on groundwater and local waterways, and better monitoring of noise, vibration and air quality.
"We're making sure safeguards are in place to protect the environment, while also creating more jobs and boosting Bendigo's economy," Ms Kilkenny said.
The mine's proposal now needs approvals from the Commonwealth, the Environment Protection Authority, and a work plan assessment, but the approval of the EES is a major milestone.
Fosterville Gold Mine is operated by Canadian-based mining company Agnico Eagle and is one of Greater Bendigo's major employers.
According to the mine's operators, the expansion will boost the local economy by $1.3 billion over the next decade and increase its workforce to more than 1,000 workers, from around 800.
"We are pleased to have received the minister's decision on the EES for the sustained operations project," a mine spokesperson said in a statement.
Some residents broke down as they told last year's seven-week public inquiry about living near the mine.
They detailed concerns about their health and the environment, and the intrusion of noise, dust and vibrations on their homes in recent years.
According to the mine's proposal, about 250 residential properties may sustain "cosmetic damage" from the largest predicted seismic event in the next decade.
A noise nuisance case brought by two Axedale residents against the mine is set to go to trial in Victoria's Supreme Court later this year.
There were also hundreds of submissions in support of the mine, including from workers and their families.
Many community groups and event committees also told the inquiry they relied on funding through the mine's grant programs.
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