Hellyer Gold Mines has accused the Tasmanian government of unlawful conduct and demanded the government allow the company to resume operations and pay its suppliers.
Hellyer alleges that the Tasmanian government issued what it believes is an unlawful and unjustified Cease Works Notice, inflicting catastrophic financial and reputational damage to the company.
The Tasmanian government had barred the mine from operations in November due to non-compliance with financial and operational requirements.
Hellyer Gold Mines CEO, Graham Cox, said the mine has complied with the regulator and the notice was issued without a lawful basis. The mine further asserted that the regulator has failed to outline in writing the alleged issues leading to the notice.
“Hellyer Gold Mines has complied with every single request made by the regulator. We do not owe the state a cent, not in royalties, not in taxes, not in any other obligation,” Cox said.
“The state’s refusal to rescind this unlawful notice is now the only thing preventing suppliers from being paid. This is entirely their own doing and we encourage suppliers to contact the Minister and demand answers to the same question we are asking.”
Hellyer Gold Mines has provided the state with a clear pathway forward, including letters of financial support from its major partners.
“Hellyer Gold Mines has today confirmed it will have no choice but to escalate matters to the Mining Tribunal, Integrity Commission and if the evidence presents, the Federal Police and investigative bodies, to get answers not just for Hellyer Gold Mines but suppliers and our global trading partners.
“There should be some very worried MPs and ‘friends of MPs’ right now,” Cox said.
