Silver Mines Ltd (ASX:SVL) has reached a key milestone in the approval process for its Bowdens Silver Project after the New South Wales Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) assessed the project as "approvable subject to conditions of consent".
The DPE has referred the project to the Independent Planning Commission of New South Wales (IPC) for final determination.
The IPC will review DPE’s Assessment Report and consider submissions from stakeholders before making a final determination. A public hearing is expected to be called in early 2023.
This is the final step in the NSW planning approvals process.
Major step forward
“The DPE’s referral to the IPC is a significant milestone for the Bowdens Silver Project,” Silver Mines managing director Anthony McClure said.
“This is a major step forward in the approval process, which follows extensive technical and environmental assessments along with close consultation with the community, stakeholders and NSW government agencies over the past years.
“Our team has delivered a robust and environmentally responsible project and this decision is recognition of the significant long-term economic and social benefits the project will deliver for local communities across Lue, Rylstone, Kandos and the broader Mid-West Regional area of NSW.”
Silver Mines has reviewed and accepted the DPE’s recommended conditions of consent outlined in its report.
About the project
The Bowdens Silver Project is one of Australia’s largest undeveloped silver deposits and one of the largest globally.
The mine’s 23-year life, including 16.5 years of silver production and by-products of zinc and lead, underpins the project’s significant value potential.
A scoping study is underway for potential underground mining opportunities that could extend the life of the project.