Kirkland Lake Gold is set to begin exploration activities at its Fosterville Gold mine, after striking more than $1 billion in gold earlier this month.
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Activities to be undertaken in the exploration licence area – which stretches from south-west of Elmore to north-east of Sutton Grange – include soil sampling, electromagnetic and seismic surveys and surface drilling.
The soil sampling is expected to commence by the end of the month, followed by the survey work and then the drilling, depending on the results of the initial tests.
The mine currently employs about 500 staff, the majority of which are Bendigo locals, they were paid a combined $46 million in wages in 2016.
- Wade Noonan
Resources Minister Wade Noonan said while there were no plans to introduce a scheme similar to the New South Wales Resources for Regions program, which aims to support communities affected by mining by funding infrastructure projects in regional and rural areas, the mine contributed millions of dollars to the region in wages and the procurement of goods and services.
“Fosterville Gold Mine offers significant economic benefits for the Bendigo region, through both its well-paid workforce and the procurement of good and services,” he said.
“The mine currently employs about 500 staff, the majority of which are Bendigo locals, they were paid a combined $46 million in wages in 2016.”
Mr Noonan said Fosterville also purchased $103 million in local goods and services last year.
Meanwhile, applications for Kirkland’s Community Grants Program have also opened, aiming to assist community groups to undertake “a wide range of projects and activities that contribute to community development”.
Kirkland Lake Gold will be running mobile information booths at the Elmore Bakery and Goornong Pub on September 2 and at the Axedale General Store and Redesdale Cafe on September 6.
The company says it has been unable to contact all landholders within the licence area but encourages anyone who would like further information to contact its community team on 5439 9000 or at fgmcommunity@klgold.com.au