The first new gold mine in the Tennant Creek area in more than a decade was officially opened this week by Northern Territory Minister for Primary Industry and Resources Ken Vowles.
Emmerson Resources and partner Evolution Mining are behind the new gold operation, the Edna Beryl mine.
It comes amid an NT Government push to develop the Tennant Creek and Barkly region as the resource services hub of the Territory, including its announcement of a feasibility study into a common-user mineral processing facility for the area.
Mr Vowles said Edna Beryl would potentially be the first of many new projects to go into development and production in the region.
“As part of Budget 2017, we announced a feasibility study into building a common-user mine and processing facility in Tennant Creek, and this week’s focus on Tennant Creek mining is a huge boost,” he said.
“If viable, the project would allow small mining operations to get under way without the cost of a major investment in their processing costs and this facility could be a game-changer for smaller mines.”
Mr Vowles said the Edna Beryl Mine would employ six operators with additional personnel such as surveyors, engineers, geologists and truck drivers also required at various stages throughout the mine’s operation.
“The Northern Territory has a long and continuous history of gold mining, from three main goldfields – Pine Creek, Tennant Creek and the Tanami,” he said.
“In particular, mining at Edna Beryl and surrounding areas dates back to 1940, with the most recent activity ceasing in 2004.
“Gold continues to be one of the leading commodities for both exploration and mining in the NT, with total gold production to June 2016 estimated at 540 tonnes, or 19 million ounces.”
Emmerson Resources said mining at Edna Beryl East ias being undertaken by an operator specialising in small mines (the Edna Beryl Mining Company) under a tribute agreement which related to a 3D envelope around the shallow mineralisation.
Continued drilling may open the prospect of a larger scale of development.
