Related story:
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The first new mine in the Tennant Creek area in over a decade was officially opened by Northern Territory Minister for Primary Industry and Resources Ken Vowles today.
Mr Vowles said the opening of the Edna Beryl gold mine brings Government’s vision for Tennant Creek and the Barkly Region, as the resource service hub of the Territory, another step closer.
The opening follows the start of official works at Jemena’s Northern Gas Pipeline yesterday, also in the Tennant Creek.
“We came to Government promising to restore trust and a key way we will do this is by creating jobs,” he said.
“This is fantastic for local employment and economic development, as the Edna Beryl Mine will employ six operators with additional personnel such as surveyors, engineers, geologists and truck drivers also required at various stages throughout the mine’s operation,” Mr Vowles said.
“The Northern Territory has a long and continuous history of gold mining, from three main goldfields – Pine Creek, Tennant Creek and the Tanami.
“In particular, mining at Edna Beryl and surrounding areas dates back to 1940, with the most recent activity ceasing in 2004.
“Gold continues to be one of the leading commodities for both exploration and mining in the NT, with total gold production to June 2016 estimated at 540 tonnes, or 19 million ounces,” Mr Vowles said.
Mr Vowles said Edna Beryl is one of many small mines in the Tennant Creek area and will potentially be the first of many new projects that go into development and production in the region.
“As part of Budget 2017, we announced a feasibility study into building a common user mine and processing facility in Tennant Creek, and this week’s focus on Tennant Creek mining is a huge boost.
“If viable, the project would allow small mining operations to get underway without the cost of a major investment in their processing costs and this facility could be a game-changer for smaller mines.”