Victoria Minister for Resources Jaclyn Symes

Victoria’s Largest Gold Mine Just Keeps Growing

Victor P Taffa

Fosterville Gold Mine, just east of Bendigo is set to expand thanks to support from the Andrews Government.

Expansion will create 60 jobs during construction of a new cement plant and 30 new, ongoing, full time jobs.

Minister for Resources Jaclyn Symes was at Fosterville today and confirmed regulatory and planning approval for an on-site cement plant that will enable production to increase.

“Victoria’s wealth was built on gold mining and the industry remains integral to creating regional jobs.” Minister for Resources Jaclyn Symes said.

“We’re supporting success stories like Fosterville to keep producing and employing locals.”

Fosterville Gold Mine, which already employs 600 staff is an internationally-renowned success story with some of the highest gold grades reported globally in recent years.

Estimated gold reserves were recently upgraded by 60 % to 2.7 Million ounces. Production in 2019 may top 600,000 ounces, up from 350,000 ounces last year, likely placing Fosterville in the top 5 of the nation’s biggest gold producers.

New cement infrastructure plant will also enable by-product rock to be re-inserted underground, reducing tailings and extending the life of the mine.

Mining licences at Fosterville and Stawell Gold Mine, which is now returning to full production, were last year extended to 2035, providing more certainty to the mine owners, investors, staff and local communities.

“Fosterville was named Australian Mining, Mine of the Year in 2018, and expansions like this only continue to spur on the phenomenal growth of an international success story that is so good for the Greater Bendigo community.” Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said.

Later this year, more ground will be released for mineral exploration in the Lockington area, a region with a rich history of gold production.

This follows the successful 2018 Stavely Ground Release in western Victoria, with 6 companies progressing towards exploration rights.

Exploration is the precursor to minerals development and can be a valuable additional income in local areas. The 6 successful Stavely tenderers have an initial estimated exploration spend of over $20 Million.