Rex Minerals accepts Hillside mining lease

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Image credit: SXC user engindeniz

Rex Minerals has accepted the mining lease offered by the SA State Government for its Hillside copper, gold and iron ore project near Ardrossan, the company announced on Tuesday.

Image credit: SXC user engindeniz
Image credit: SXC user engindeniz

Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the company has received all the primary State and Federal approvals to develop the project, enabling copper mining to return to the Yorke Peninsula after a 100-year absence.

“This mining lease followed extensive public consultation, detailed assessment by all relevant government regulatory agencies and the best scientific and technical advice. It strikes the right balance between environmental and economic priorities. This project has the potential to create hundreds of jobs for the region, diversify the economy and provide flow-on benefits to local businesses. But the State Government also recognises the importance of preserving our State’s reputation as a clean, green food producer which our farmers and rural communities work hard for,” Mr Koutsantonis said.

“That is why the mining lease includes a significant number of stringent terms and conditions to ensure the environment and amenity of the area is protected and preserved. Following discussions between the Department of State Development (DSD) and Rex Minerals, the company has advised they have accepted all of the conditions which cover everything from dust and traffic management to air quality, heritage and native vegetation. Real-time monitoring will also be required to ensure our regulations are constantly being met.”

Rex’s proposal was developed in consultation with technical experts and key stakeholders, including the Hillside Community Consultative Group, a group with a cross-section of community representation.

Adertisement

The company has been given a 12-month period to prepare a detailed plan for the safe and environmentally sustainable operation at the mine – a Program for Environment Protection and Rehabilitation (PERP) – that meets all of the State Government’s strict conditions and requirements.

The State Government’s formal assessment report and supporting technical documents will be released on http://minerals.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/