THE gold at Dargues gold mine at Majors Creek holds intrinsic value to Unity Mining and its shareholders certainly, but the $250 million project also signifies the revival of prosperity for the Majors Creek region.
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A review of where gold from the mine will be processed came after Cortona Resources sold the mine to Unity Mining Limited in 2013.
While onsite ore processing has always been a feature of the approved project, Unity’s detailed reviews and studies made it very clear that final processing and gold recovery at Dargues is the best path forward.
I acknowledge the issue is about trust.
I understand that change may not be comfortable. And I recognise that cyanide has a historic reputation.
Gold processing using cyanide leaching can be done safely.
We do it at our Henty Gold Mine, in mountainous terrain in the Henty Valley on the west coast of Tasmania, adjacent to the Southwest Conservation Area.
It is safe; we have done it for many years without incident.
I understand that this was not part of the originally approved plan, however the planning modification process allows for everyone’s input.
Dargues is planned to have a six-year life based on current reserves.
The project will generate about 100 jobs during construction and 120 residential jobs during the mine’s operation.
There will be opportunities for local small businesses to gear up to service these needs and the potential revival of the area’s 1850s gold mining history as a local attraction.
There is some misinformation about the source of gold to be processed at Dargues that I want to correct it.
Only gold mined at the Dargues mine will be processed on site.
There is also misinformation about other chemical elements that may be involved.
As with the soil in your back garden, there are naturally occurring trace elements that are brought up with the gold.
These are in minute quantities and will be contained safely in the lined tailings storage facility.
The public will be able to ask me questions directly when I am in Braidwood and Moruya for public meetings on December 16 and 17 respectively.
Times and locations will be advertised in the local media.
I can be contacted on darguesinfoline@unitymining.com.au or 1800 732 002.
Gold will bring prosperity to local community.
I ask people to consider the modification that Unity is proposing with the same rigour that they apply to other decisions they make for the benefit of their family and community.
Andrew McIlwain
CEO, Unity Mining Ltd
