DARGUE'S REEF MINE PROPOSAL REFERRED TO THE FEDERAL MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Some of you may have seen this already but please read below and get in touch if you can help or have expertise that may be useful in any way.

 

"The Dargue's Reef Mine proposal has been referred to the Federal minister for the Environment- see attachment. The public has only ten days to comment from the date it has been posted on the web. (It's not on the web yet, but probably will be posted there next week, ie the week beginning 28 November.

        As I understand it, once the mining company has responded the public will have another ten days to comment.

        The Federal Government has a duty under international agreements to protect threatened, endangered and critically endangered species. The mining company will need to show that there operations will either have no effect on the species immediately below the mine, or that they have taken steps to protect them. Note: none of these species were mentioned in their Environmental Assessment.

        Please- if you have any knowledge, interest or expertise in the area,  could you urgently add your comments when the matter is posted on the web site?

        The species concerned are listed  below. (There are many other endangered species in the area, but they are not yet listed by the Federal Government).

        Major concerns might be:

. Cortona plan to mix soil from the mine with concrete to  fill the areas that have been mined. This will have a dramatic and devastating effect on  the aquifer- concrete is strongly alkaline and most native species need slightly acidic conditions. In tests here even  2 square metres concrete paving affects native plants 50 metres away.

. Cortona plan to use the chemical Xanthate to process the ore. Any release of Xanthate into the water system or aquifer could also be devastating.

. Cortona have publicly stated that they plan to mine three times the amount stated under this present proposal, and that all material from their new sites will be processed at the Dargue's reef site, 1.5 km  upstream from the Major's Creek National Park Reserve. I strongly urge that ALL existing plans for mining and processing need to be assessed  at this stage, rather than have a  the far smaller development approved and the other developments approved piecemeal, as mere additions to an already approved development.

. Breeding sites of powerful owls and gang gangs have already been disrupted by trials at Dargue's Reef. For the first time in 36  years powerful owls appear to have failed to nest in the Major's Creek National Park Reserve gorge, almost certainly because of vibration and explosions.

. Cortona have done no survey of endangered flora and fauna, nor any investigation into their ecology or breeding patterns. without this no assurances can be given that there will be no threat.

. The Dargue's reef Mine is  only 1.7 km away from the precipitous descent into the Major's Creek gorge. If the 800,000 cubic metre tailings dam leaks or even gives way, the species in the gorge will be destroyed by a mix of heavy metal and Xanthate contaminated waste. Given the sheer amount of tailings,and the narrow confines of the gorge, any spill is likely to be forced upwards between the cliffs. the tailings dam will be 25 metres high. Tailings released into the gorge might rise  75-100 metres high in the narrow confined space.

        Note: all processing from the additional sites where Cortona is prosing to mine will be processed at the Dargue's reef site, according to Cortona's most recent bulletin. This is a far larger development than the present proposal allows for.

. the existing proposal is for a mine 500 metres deep ie half a kilometre. this will take it to 135 metres below the Major's Creek national park Reserve and the Major's Creek gorge. No adequate study or test has been made to see  how this will affect the aquifer.  only two test bores have been dug downstream of the mine. Cortoina's assertion that there will be no effect on the aquifer downstream and that there is very little transmission through the granite soils and bedrock are based on test bores predominantly uphill from the site.

.Cortona assert that the rock in the area is granite. There are however several intrusions of other rock in the areas downstream in the areas where the most endangered species exist. No tests have been done  on their permeability.

The Federally listed species that exist in the area immediately below the mine site are listed here. Please- if you can help at all, add your comment to the web site. If you know of any other endangered species  directly below the proposed mine, please  make them known to the department.  Due to the inaccessibility of much of the gorge it contains possibly more rare species than any other similar site in Austrlia. At the very least, there are rare orchid, bat and insect species that I am not competent to list. "

Federally listed animals within four kilometres downstream of the mine site include:

New Holland mouse (Pseudomys novaehollandiae)
Status:  vulnerable

Zieria adenophera (Araluen Zieria)
Status: endangered

Button Wrinklewort (Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides)
Status:  endangered

Araluen Gum (Eucalyptus kartzoffiana)
Status:   vulnerable

Grey Deua Pomaderris (Pomaderris gilmourii var. cana)
Status:  vulnerable

Spotted-tailed Quoll (Dasyurus maculatus)
Status: endangered

did someone say silver?

please click this link...

http://money.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8172968

Study confirms viability of Cortona mine

30/11/2010 1:27:01 PM

Aspiring gold producer Cortona Resources Ltd says a study has confirmed the viability of the first phase of its Dargues Reef underground project.

The company said it would target ore production at 330,000 tonnes per annum from the New South Wales site, with gold production at 50,000 ounces each year.

Production is expected to begin in 2012 with output of about 249,000 ounces of gold and 73,000 ounces of silver during a six-year period.

Cash costs are expected to be $A628 dollars per ounce.

"The feasibility study is a very robust document which paves the way for the development of a highly efficient underground mining operation at Dargues Reef," said Cortona managing director Peter van der Borgh.

Shares in the company fell after the announcement was made, and at 1313 AEDT were trading off 2.5 cents, or 12.5 per cent, at 17.5 cents.

READ THIS......MINE LIFE EXPECTANCY......

....expect not to have a life here in Majors Creek unless you work for the mine.....

BE CLEAR ABOUT THIS FACT........AND I QUOTE .......

"This underpins the robust economics of the operation, which is expected to generate strong cash flows and economic returns, providing a solid foundation for us to continue with our planned exploration programs aimed at increasing our resource base, extend the life of the operation, and potentially increase annual gold production rates" Mr van der Borgh said.

PLEASE READ THIS ....

http://www.wabusinessnews.com.au/en-story/1/85365/Cortona-confirms-feasibility-of-Dargues

here is an extract....


Cortona Resources says a positive Feasibility Study has confirmed the viability of its proposed underground Dargues Reef gold project in New South Wales.


Cortona's managing director Peter van der Borgh said the study was very positive.

"Key highlights of the Feasbility Study include the high grade mining inventory, with an average forecast head grade of over 5g/t and the low estimated cash operating costs of A$628/oz, which would position Dargues Reef towards the lowest quartile for Australian gold producers," he said.

"This underpins the robust economics of the operation, which is expected to generate strong cash flows and economic returns, providing a solid foundation for us to continue with our planned exploration programs aimed at increasing our resource base, extend the life of the operation, and potentially increase annual gold production rates" Mr van der Borgh said......

.........Australian gold company Cortona Resources Limited (ASX: CRC) ("Cortona" or "the Company") is pleased to report the completion of a positive Feasibility Study confirming the viability of the proposed development of the Dargues Reef Gold Project, part of its 100%-owned Majors Creek Gold Project located 60km east of Canberra in south-east NSW.

The Feasibility Study, which was independently prepared by Mining Plus Pty Ltd with participation and contribution from various other parties, has confirmed the technical and economic viability of the Dargues Reef Gold Project, paving the way for development of an average 50,000oz per annum gold mining operation (annual range 36,000oz to 65,000oz) with forecast low cash operating costs and an initial 6 year mine life.

This Phase 1 operation is expected to generate strong cash flows and robust economic returns, providing an excellent foundation for Cortona to continue its aggressive near-mine and regional exploration programs targeting additional resources within the broader Majors Creek Project, which are expected to extend the life of the operation, potentially increase annual gold production rates and ultimately enhance economic returns. To this end, two rigs are currently on-site.

Recent exploration has already confirmed the high prospectivity of the near-mine environment, resulting in the discovery of the Ruby Lode (12.6m @ 9.9g/t gold from 112 metres), located 150 metres north of the proposed Dargues Reef underground mine. Resource drilling is continuing at the Ruby Lode targeting an initial JORC resource estimate by early next year. This recent exploration success has not been incorporated in the Feasibility Study.

Key Feasibility Outcomes

The Feasibility Study has confirmed the economic and technical viability of a proposed compact and efficient underground mining operation at Dargues Reef, with ore to be partially processed in a state-of-the-art 330,000tpa treatment facility located on site.

Production will commence at 270,000tpa in 2012 and ramp up to 330,000tpa in 2013, resulting in total production of 248,900oz of gold and 73,144oz of silver over a 6-year period. This mining inventory does not include the recently discovered Ruby Lode, potential depth and strike extensions at Dargues Reef, or other near mine opportunities that will offer potential to extend the Phase 1 mine life and potentially increase annual production rates.....

"This underpins the robust economics of the operation, which is expected to generate strong cash flows and economic returns, providing a solid foundation for us to continue with our planned exploration programs aimed at increasing our resource base, extend the life of the operation, and potentially increase annual gold production rates" Mr van der Borgh said.

"Our recent success in discovering the near-surface Ruby Lode, located just 150 metres north of the proposed underground infrastructure at Dargues Reef, highlights the prospectivity of the near-mine environment. We have numerous promising exploration opportunities within an economic transportation distance of the proposed treatment facility, and in addition to that the Dargues Reef Gold resource remains open at depth and along strike."
"We expect to be operating at Majors Creek for many years to come and we are confident that the Phase 1 operation represents just the first stage of what we believe will be a long-life gold mining business in this area, bringing new employment and many economic benefits to communities in the region," Mr van der Borgh added.

very interesting read indeed....

here is the link to this SMH article of Nov 29 2010

http://www.smh.com.au/business/all-well-and-good-for-ukraine-junior-20101128-18cdw.html

here is an section from it.......i would suggest that we are not talking about a 5 year "life expectancy" of this mine but something more.....

RUBY IS GOLDThe near record gold prices are giving junior gold companies their best ever shot at establishing a cash flow by getting in to production.

And so it is with Cortona Resources. Any day now, the company will release a feasibility study into the development of its Dargues Reef gold project on the historic Majors Creek goldfield, some 60 kilometres east of Canberra.

The study is expected to confirm that Dargues will be a robust small-scale mine capable of churning out about 50,000 ounces a year at competitive cash costs of less than $650 an ounce, over an initial five- or six-year mine life, and after capital expenditure of $60-$70 million.

Given cash margins of more than $760 an ounce on current Australian dollar gold prices, Dargues Reef is shaping up as a nice earner for a company like Cortona with its share price of 18¢ for a (fully diluted) market capitalisation of $38 million.

But what would really get interest up in the Cortona story would be the potential for a longer mine life. Thanks to a concerted near-mine exploration effort, that might well be on the cards.

Last week Cortona reported more interesting gold hits at its Ruby Lode discovery, all of 150 metres north of the Dargues Reef deposit (1.44 million tonnes at 6.2 grams of gold a tonne for 287,000 contained ounces).

With hits like 12.6 metres at 9.9 grams of gold a tonne, 9 metres at 3.9 g/tonne and 6 metres at 3.5 g/tonne, Ruby Lode looks to have the makings of a significant new shallow gold deposit within easy striking distance of the underground development at Dargues Reef.

It is way too early for Cortona to have included anything from the discovery in the Dargues Reef feasibility study. But with two drilling rigs whirring away at Ruby Lode, the expectation is that the discovery - and potentially other near mine finds - will make Cortona's 2012 entry in the ranks of gold producers a longer term affair than the Dargues Reef feasibility will suggest.

COUNCIL MEETING 1PM IN THE NATIONAL THEATRE....

Council will be conducting the meeting this thursday from 1pm in the National Theatre .....and because crowds are expected it has been moved to this location........the Dargues Reef mine project will be discussed at this meeting and so the more people in attendence the better.

PARTNERING BETWEEN GOLD COMPANIES....

...perfect for mining in say...Mongarlowe....and processing at Majors Creek.....dont you think?!

Please watch this little presentation....Cortona, Majors Creek, Braidwood, and Mongarlowe are mentioned several times...

http://www.brr.com.au/event/66633/commissioners-gold-christopher-battye-exec

This link is interesting i feel as it clearly outlines WHY our region is being targeted for gold exploration and mining....

1. no native title issues
2. water availability
3. electricity availability

Mining requires lots of water, and lots of electricity...!
The costs to our community will be huge.

NEED MORE TIME FOR SUBMISSION.......???

I HAVE JUST RECIEVED A COMMENT STATING ......

"if you feel you need more time (just a couple of days) to get your submission in call George Mobayed on (02) 9228 6467 and make a request..... "

I HAVE JUST SPOKEN TO HIM TO VERIFY THAT HE WORKS AT THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING. (AND HE DOES)....

MAJORS CREEK COMMUNITY LIASON COMMITTEE SUBMISSION

Following is the link to the submission prepared by the Majors Creek Community Liason Committee

http://braidwood-web.net.au/majorscreek/sites/default/files/Submission%20from%20the%20Majors%20Creek%20Community%20Liaison%20Committee-1_0.pdf

The views expressed in this document by the Committee, regarding the process undertaken thus far by Cortona are not the opinions held by the writer of this blog....That said, the document does question many of the inconsistencies, lack of information, misinformation, and general disregard for the real issues of impact upon existing amenity of residents and of the environmental impacts of mining in Majors Creek.

Please read this document ....

SUBMISSIONS....

...Submissions much reach the Department of Planning by close of business November 1, 2010
that is 5pm Monday 1st Nov. 2010......

MONDAY 1ST NOVEMBER AT 5PM....(MAKE IT 4PM TO BE SURE)....

here is a template.....copy this and attach to your own email and send on.....if you do not know how to do this....email nomajorscreekmine@gmail.com and i will help you.


Email to:
 plan_comment@planning.nsw.gov.au


Name:
Address:
Reference number 10 0054

i have not been able to get a definitive answer on whether the submission MUST be accompanied by a disclosure statement or not for it to be counted....in any case.....go to this link

http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/assessingdev/pdf/form_political_donations_disclosure_minister_or_dg.pdf

and then print, fill out and then fax the form and your submission to : 02 9228 6466
...or complete the form on line and attach to your submission....


I object to the proposed Dargues Reef mining project for the following reasons:

1.  I do not believe there will be any benefit to the local community,
2.  I do not believe the proposal has the interests of the local community in mind,
3.  I believe the proposal will have a negative impact on the Majors Creek community in terms of acoustic and visual privacy,
4.  I believe the proposal will have a negative affect upon my neighbouring communities in Araluen, Braidwood, Bells Creek, Riedsdale and Jembaicumbene,
5.  I believe the 24 hour per day operation of the mining facility is totally unacceptable,
6.  I believe the 24 hour per day operation of the mining facility will reduce the value of my property, and if the mine should operate under the proposal as set forth, i should have legal grounds to claim against the shareholders, directors, managing directors and all others concerned with Big Island Mining Pty Ltd (or as we know them Cortona), the local council (Palerang), the State Government or the Federal Government,
7.  I believe the proposal will have a negative affect upon the groundwater levels and aquifer of the surrounding locality, and i believe it will have a negative impact upon the communities of Majors Creek and Araluen and will have a direct negative impact upon the local businesses, individuals and families in the locality,
8.  I believe the proposed tailings dam is completely unacceptable and poses a severe threat to the individuals, communities, ecosystems and natural habitats of all plants and animals that live (RL below) that of the dam, between Majors Creek and the coast.
9. I believe that the proposal will have a negative impact upon any indigenous site downstream of the proposed location,
10. I believe the increased semi trailer movements associated with the mine operations will have a severe impact upon the Majors Creek Road, the Araluen Road and the Kings Highway,
11. I believe that if Big Island Mining Pty Ltd (or as we know them Cortona) were to propose to mine in neighbouring regions and process any of this material at the Majors Creek site that they should be prevented from doing this as it will only further the negative affects upon the local community at Majors Creek,
12. I believe the increased traffic movements associated with the staff working at the mine will have a negative affect upon the communities of Majors Creek and Braidwood,
13. I believe that if the locality surrounding the mine (any residence within a 5 km radius of the subject site), has an existing ambient noise level below 30dB(A) between the hours of 7pm and 7am, that ANY increase in this level is totally unacceptable, and if the mine should operate under the proposal as set forth, i should have legal grounds to claim against the shareholders, directors, managing directors and all others concerned with Big Island Mining Pty Ltd (or as we know them Cortona), the local council (Palerang), the State Government or the Federal Government,
14. I believe that the amount of dust or airborne matter associated with works at the mine, through plant and machinery, and the increased traffic movements along internal roads will have a negative affect upon the surrounding community,
15. It is my opinion that the proposal does not comply with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (the EPBC Act) and as such this development should require the Federal Governments approval before proceeding,
16. I believe the specific climatic circumstances (including the heavy fog patterns) have not been taken into account in the EA, and as such the assessment and its recommendations are incorrect,
17. I believe it is my right as a resident of the locality to have my opinions heard and taken into consideration when decisions about any development in the area are made by any government body.

MAKING A COMMENT....(YOUR COMMENT).....

...if you would like to make a comment on this blog......look to the bottom of each post....(usually marked with a CAPITALS HEADING).....you will see a text saying 0 comments or possibly a number of comments.....click on that....up will come another page that you can scroll down through and then then at the end type your comment.....follow the prompts and your comment will be visible.......

or


send an email to nomajorscreekmine@gmail.com and we will post it on the blog.....

again.....we are trying to secure our "EXISTING STANDARD OF LIVING" ...in Majors CreekNSW.

PETER VAN DER BORGH (SYDNEY SEPT 28 2010)

I urge everybody to watch this 3 minute video clip of Peter van der Borgh filmed in Sydney on Sept 28 2010..

"We have regional geologists out and about working up some regional targets..."

of particular note is the mention at 2 mins and 10 seconds of :

"once we are in production we should see some fairly rapid growth in the resource base, new discoveries across the province...."

Here is the link.....

http://www.abnnewswire.net/press/en/63832/FINANCE_VIDEO:_Cortona_Resources_(ASX:CRC)_MD_Peter_van_der_Borgh_Speaks_at_Excellence_in_Mining_2010_in_Sydney.html


THE DANGER I SEE HERE IS THE PROCESSING OF MATERIAL FROM OTHER MINES AT MAJORS CREEK.....DONT YOU SEE THAT TOO?!

Peter van der Borgh  is stating clearly for all here....... HE WANTS TO EXPAND OPERATIONS IN THIS REGION.......am i right in understanding that sites in Neriga and Mongarlowe have already been targeted.?

council's motion on the mine....meeting next thursday....

please read this.....

http://www.palerang.nsw.gov.au/files/12544/File/ord2010_11_04_pt2.pdf


in my opinion this report highlights many of the concerns we have already spoken about together.....

• noise and hours of operation
• traffic, including road issues, entrances, movements along Majors Creek Road and also through Braidwood
• tailings dam issues...including possible overflow etc
• dust
• groundwater, water quality and quantity....affect upon the watertable and aquifer...
• affect upon the visual amenity of the locality including site lighting during the night

have all been included in Council's document but i feel do not adequately address the concerns of the residnets of Majors Creek, Araluen and Braidwood......

Please read the document and comment.....

there is a little rigmarole to posting comments but please do it......

DISCLAIMER

This blog has been created by concerned residents of Majors Creek, Braidwood, Araluen and the surrounding localities to voice our opinions regarding the proposal by Big Island Mining Pty Ltd (Cortona) to run a 24 hour per day mining operation at Dargues Reef Majors Creek.

We are worried about our existing amenity and how our lives will ultimately be affected by this proposal.

We will try to be balanced in our approach to this debate but please understand, we have all chosen to live here because we love our little town, and we will do our best to protect it and our families' existing amenity.

We are not in any way intentionally trying to hurt or damage any person or company we are simply trying to preserve the quality of life we enjoyed prior to the commencement of mining work (including investigation) at Dargues Reef. We already feel compromised when we awake early in the morning and hear drilling in our neighbour's property....for in Majors Creek everybody is our neighbour.

This blog will welcome comments and emails ....... please email nomajorscreekmine@gmail.com to let others know what you think....