Mining company to explore Rochy

FGM has been hosting introductory community engagement sessions in the three towns for residents to learn more about the company.

The first session was held in Lockington on Saturday, May 31, and the last session will be in Elmore on Thursday, June 12.

FGM community superintendent Trudi Jackson said the company was exploring previous work that had already been done around the region.

Ms Jackson said that an exploration license did not mean mining would occur.

“This is exploration. We want to be really clear that this doesn’t permit mining,” she said.

“I know people often raise that as a concern, but we want to reassure people that we’re just doing exploration.

“There is an extensive process and approvals process that follows to move from an exploration and be granted a mining license. That’s decades long.”

FGM will begin by carrying out preliminary exploration activities along roads.

They will be seeking out permission from landholders to complete these works, which landholders can decline if they wish.

Should there be a need for any drilling during the exploration process, FGM will work with local councils to acquire the necessary permits.

The information sessions also have a display of drill cores from around the region to help landowners understand what’s beneath their feet.

Ms Jackson said FGM hoped to give back to the communities as it carried out its explorations.

“There’s been a lot of exploration already in the regions ... we’re just following up on that and obviously looking for gold mineralisation or potential for gold mineralisation,” she said.

“Hopefully, it’ll mean an injection or an economic benefit for the region. One thing that we look to do is ensure that we’re contributing to the local economy.

“We’re out here working in these regions, so we want to be able to bring some benefit into the regions.”

The last community engagement session will be held at Elmore Bakery on Thursday, June 12, from 8am to 10am.