STEADFAST Mining Services has applied for a gold-mining retention licence in an area of almost 2000 hectares that takes in the townships of Gordon through to Mount Edgerton.
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While it is just outside the Hepburn Shire, new licences could be applied for anywhere, said David Stephens, a member of the Wombat ForestCare Group.
Mr Stevens said the group’s main concern was the waterways this application would affect.
He said it seemed the application was somewhere between an exploration and a mining licence.
‘‘It goes directly into a reservoir and many landholders are unaware of what is happening and the extent the mine covers,’’ Mr Stevens said.
‘‘Given the size of this retention licence, it is extremely concerning for anyone living in that area the application covers as they could theoretically lose their homes or their businesses.
‘‘This mine will have enormous detrimental effects on the natural environment.’’
Amendments in 2012 to the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 introduced the new retention licence.
The Department of State Development and Business Innovation said a retention licence would provide for ‘‘retention of rights while licensees undertake intensive exploration, research and other non-mining activities to demonstrate the economic viability of mining an identified mineral resource’’.
DSDBI public relations manager Paul Robinson said: ‘‘Since their inception there have been 21 RL applications lodged.
‘‘One has been granted in the Wimmera, two were withdrawn, with the remaining awaiting approval.’’
Mr Stevens is urging the public to register any complaints with the DSDBI, particularly for PL1036RL 2018, which he said was nearing the end of the application period.
