Yesterday, I attended the latest (26th) meeting of the Dargues Community Consultative Committee (CCC) at the mine site at Majors Creek.
From the minutes of the previous meeting (which I was not able to attend) it will be seen that "... the concentrate product will be sold, most likely shipped from Port Kembla and to the end user. The current understanding is that the concentrate will be sold to a marketing group and then likely a to smelting group in South Korea, Japan or China." So, the cyanide processing will take place off-shore. However, a buyer has not yet been found.
Work is progressing at the site and you will see from the video above that significant work has been done on expanding the sediment ponds - to capture overflow on site. As well, power poles and lines are presently being installed on site and slabs for various buildings have been laid. The company hopes to start on the 3.6 km long spiral tunnel (which will go to a depth of about 500 m) by mid 2018.
Importantly, it is now (as of today) possible for downstream users to register their details - to enable prompt contact by the company in case of a pollution emergency. Registration will be restricted to those within the catchment who would stand to be directly affected by a pollution event. Those who are dependent on town water would rely on the ESC to respond to any such emergency - by ceasing pumping from the river and informing the wider community accordingly. Registration can be made by completing the form at this website.
And finally, the company's mining lease has been extended to 2045 (!) Mining operations themselves (presently) remain limited to completion by 30 June 2025.
