Resources Victoria is calling on mines to ensure operations are up to scratch, after the safety watchdog issued infringement notices to Victory Minerals for failing to meet compliance standards.
The notices followed a site inspection that identified unauthorised construction and changed infrastructure at the company’s Ballarat gold mine, located about an hour away from Melbourne.
Vegetation removal was another issue, as the activity can increase dust from operations, impact the level of rehabilitation required and influence long-term site restoration.
According to Resources Victoria, it will continue to monitor a range of operational issues at Ballarat mine to ensure the site is managed in accordance with Victoria’s mining regulations.
“We’ll continue to have a strong focus on compliance at Ballarat Gold Mine to make sure operations are appropriately managed and are in-line with the site’s work plan,” Resources Victoria chief inspector Renee Palmer said.
“We will use all the tools at our disposal to ensure that companies entrusted with access to the state’s resources are managing sites properly to protect communities and the environment.”
The state’s mining regulator added that Victorian mines needed to comply with their approved work plan, to limit the impact of operations on nearby communities and the environment.
“To protect the environment and ensure land can eventually be restored, potential impacts from mining activity must be thoroughly assessed and a work plan approved by Resources Victoria,” it said in a statement.
“Resources Victoria will continue closely monitoring activity at Ballarat Gold Mine to help make sure Victory Minerals meet the state’s stringent mining regulations and high community expectations.”
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