A proposed $167 million mine expansion has gained “gilt-edged” status that will help create jobs in the historic gold mining town of Ravenswood.
Minister for State Development Dr Anthony Lynham today announced that Resolute Mining Limited had been granted prescribed project status for its expansion at Ravenswood Gold Mine.
“Resolute’s proposed expansion at Ravenswood gold mine could extend the mine’s life by 13 years, ensuring 280 existing jobs continue and creating 100 construction jobs,” Dr Lynham said.
“Prescribed project status means the independent Coordinator-General can help Resolute navigate government approvals and cut red tape.
“Resolute’s preference for employing people from within 150 km of Ravenwsood is great news for Townsville, Charters Towers, Ayr and Home Hill.”
Ravenswood, 150km south-west of Townsville, produced almost 900,000 ounces of gold during the gold booms from 1868 to 1948.
In its heyday in 1911, the town had 2010 residents and 48 hotels. Today there are around 200 residents, two restored hotels – the Railway and the Imperial. The town site is a national heritage area and 12 sites are on state heritage register.
Resolute’s existing Mount Wright underground mine is due for closure next year.
The expansion proposes a long-life large scale return to open pit mining at the Sarsfield and Buck Reef West deposits.
The company’s recently-completed feasibility study confirmed the return to open pit mining could extend the mine life to at least 2029, and increase average annual gold production from the current level of around 100,000 ounces to more than 120,000 ounces.
