Silver Mines Ltd (ASX:SVL, OTC:SLVMF) welcomes the report of the New South Wales Parliamentary Inquiry into current and potential impacts of gold, silver, lead and zinc mining on human health, land, air and water quality in New South Wales.
Importance of mining
The inquiry has now wrapped up and published its final report. Its findings and recommendations underscore the importance of mining to the New South Wales economy, the rigorous nature of the planning approval processes and the robustness of the regulatory bodies that administer the industry.
The report also highlights the importance of the metalliferous mining industry's role in the transition to net zero.
Silver Mines does not think the findings and recommendations will result in any material change for the development or production operations of the Bowdens Silver Project near Mudgee in the state's Central West.
Silver Mines managing director Anthony McClure said: “It is encouraging to see the majority of the inquiry’s committee acknowledge and support the significant role of mining to the state of New South Wales and recognise the strategic importance of projects like the Bowdens Silver Project.
“This inquiry has been running since July 2023 and we are pleased that the process has finally been completed. Recommendations are now before the Government.
“Certain recommendations have been made for the mining industry and if put into effect by the government, will not alter the development or production operations of the Bowdens Silver Project.
Bowdens committed to best practice
“As an example, the inquiry has recommended more detailed environmental monitoring for the mining industry, however, this will not affect Bowdens Silver as we have committed to best practice for our comprehensive monitoring systems and thorough management and environmental plans.”
On April 3 of this year, the NSW Independent Planning Commission announced the approval of the Bowdens Silver Project, which allowed the project to proceed to development and production subject to conditions of consent.