Western Australia is rich in mineral reserves, and it’s not just iron ore that is highly sought after.
A new lead mine has been given environmental approval, does this signal the way for more WA mining jobs – we think so.
It’s no secret, Australian mining is going through a massive transition and mining companies are being very choosy about their future projects, especially in WA.
The mainstream media is quick to report of jobless figures and the slowdown in housing price growth, but reticent to bring any positive news to the attention of the general public.
“new mines are in the process of being developed in WA”
It’s always refreshing when we hear of ‘good news’ stories about new mines that are in the process of being developed in WA.
Western Australian mine gets Government approval
West Australian Environment Minister Albert Jacob has given his approval to the KBM Mining Sorby Hills mining project, which is penciled in to be developed some 50 kilometres north of Kununurra. The mine itself will also see a processing plant being constructed on-site, which is close to the border of the Norther Territory.
Back in 2013, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) made a recommendation to approve the lead and silver mine development, which will see exports out of Wyndham.
“much-needed WA jobs for the local communities”
A relieved Sorby Hills chief executive officer Trangie Johnston said� the mining project can now go ahead and things can start to develop. Mining projects in Western Australia are the source of much-needed WA jobs for the local communities as well as FIFO workers.
It’s estimated the new lead and silver mine could have a lifecycle of several decades which is a major win for the local workforce and support industries that specialise in servicing mines in the region.
“It’s the last major hurdle in terms of the EPA involvement. We do have to go through other approval processes with the Department of Mines and Water and other departmental groups, which is the normal course of developing a project in the industry”, he said.
“Construction is set to begin after the wet season”
Mr Johnston says his Sorby Hills has been methodically working through the environmental approval processes since early 2012 and they are very pleased to be able to progress the project in 2014. Construction is set to begin after the wet season in the North West of WA.
The final say on approvals rested on Mr Jacobs; he released a statement to the affect;
“I came to the view that the EPA adequately considered the key environmental factors identified in its assessment and was justified in concluding that the proposal can be managed to meet its environmental objectives through the implementation of the recommended conditions.
Some issues were raised by objectors to the development of the mine, however the Minister for the Environment Mr.Jacobs dismissed the appeal and the approval was set in concrete.
Information for WA jobs seekers
The Sorby Hills lead-silver project is in the north-east of the Kimberley region of Western Australia, and about 50 kilometres by road from the regional centre of Kununurra. The project consists of five mining leases and one exploration licence.
In terms of mining future mine site development, six of the most prospective areas will be targeted for possible open cut development which is expected to be at a depth of 70 metres.
Watch this video about the mining project
One of the most important steps to getting a mining job in Western Australia is to do as much research as possible. The internet provides a wealth of information on every conceivable aspect of mining in Australia. Proactive job seekers should be taking this lead and start to build knowledge on the Sorby Hills mining project.
For example, the video below explains very detailed facts about the project and will give creative people some good ideas on how to move forward and continue with a more detailed search of the company and it’s mining operations.
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