Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. has received approval for its new exploration tunnel at its Sunday Creek antimony and gold project in Victoria.
The exploration tunnel will provide underground access to high-grade mineralisation at Sunday Creek. It will allow the company to conduct detailed geological mapping and sampling mineralised structures, execute precision underground drilling and gather geotechnical data essential for future mine design.
Southern Cross Gold CEO Michael Hudson said the work plan approval marks a significant milestone towards mine development.
“We are assembling the pieces needed for a commercially viable operation: an exceptional high-grade discovery with demonstrated depth continuity, strategic freehold land ownership, proven metallurgy, and now approval for underground access.
“This approval, combined with our strong balance sheet, and outstanding drilling results, positions Southern Cross Gold to advance Sunday Creek towards its potential as a globally significant Victorian gold producer with a strategic antimony supply that opens the door for wider made-in Victoria opportunities.”
Hudson said the company plans to add an additional 12 drill rigs underground after the decline completion for 22 rigs in total, making it the largest pre-development drill program in Australia.
Southern Cross Gold will start site establishment activities in December. The company is also working towards secondary approvals under the Water Act and Environment Protection Act.
Underground construction will take six to nine months with strict operational controls.
The Minerals Council of Australia said approval of the new exploration tunnel is a major step towards securing Victoria’s status as the sole source of antimony in Australia.
James Sorahan, Executive Director – Victoria at the MCA, said: “More mines in Victoria means more highly skilled regional jobs, higher royalties to pay for vital services and infrastructure and greater investment in local communities.
“Mining also creates a more diverse regional economy by delivering long-term benefits to our regions through training and local small businesses which supply mines.
“Discovering and exploiting deeper deposits means Victorian operators can replenish falling gold production and make the most of massive future opportunities in antimony and minerals sands.”
