- Media Release
Exploration tunnel approval paves the way for Victoria’s critical minerals future
Today’s approval of the exploration tunnel Works Plan at Southern Cross Gold’s Sunday Creek antimony and gold project is a major step forward in Victoria’s status as the sole Australian source of antimony – a critical mineral with immense strategic importance for defence as well as solar panels, batteries, semiconductors and flame retardants.
The approval of the exploration tunnel at Sunday Creek, along with October’s approval of the Catalyst/Hancock Prospecting joint venture Boyd’s Dam gold project, sends a clear message that Victoria is open for business in advanced minerals exploration approvals for deeper mineral deposits.
More mines in Victoria means more highly skilled regional jobs, higher royalties to pay for vital services and infrastructure and greater investment in local communities. Mining also creates a more diverse regional economy by delivering long-term benefits to our regions through training and local small businesses which supply mines.
To support Victoria’s emerging critical minerals and existing gold sectors, exploration spending needs to increase after a recent decline from record high levels.
Discovering and exploiting deeper deposits means Victorian operators can replenish falling gold production and make the most of massive future opportunities in antimony and minerals sands.
For example, the United States Department of the Interior has designated antimony a critical mineral.
The Sunday Creek approval adds to recent momentum in Victoria created by all major approvals being secured for the Donald Mineral Sands and progress on approvals with the VHM and WIM Resource mineral sands projects.
The Victorian Government’s Approvals Coordinator has been instrumental in ensuring a more efficient approvals process for these projects, ensuring compliance with rigorous environmental and social requirements.