With a strong mining heritage and a small local community, the development of the Cracow project requires particular attention to the needs of all stakeholders.
Cracow
The Cracow project, which is a joint venture between Newcrest Mining (70 percent) and Sedimentary Holdings (30 percent) which aims to develop an underground gold mine, commenced in September 2003. This commenced with the establishment of the portal and development of the decline that will allow access to the Royal and Crown orebodies.
At year end the portal was established and decline developed to 1,000 metres.
Access development off the decline for the three upper levels at the top of the Royal deposit (2216RL down to 2183RL) to allow progressive in-fill drilling and early access to this zone was partially completed.
The progress of the mill refurbishment program advanced well and the key items of mills and tankage were on schedule.
With the establishment of the camp and key infrastructure, the project remains on target for commissioning in the December quarter 2004.
In the broader community, agreement was reached with the relevant landowners for the installation of a new water pipeline. The Banana Shire Council continues to provide support for the development of the project and relationships with the local Aboriginal communities are maintained with regular Aboriginal Liaison Committee meetings.
Central Queensland Project construction underway Project Output: 675,000 ounces over 7 years* Mineral Resource: 800,000 ounces* *100 percent project basis |
With a strong mining heritage and a small local community, the development of the Cracow project requires particular attention to the needs of all stakeholders.
The Cracow area is subject to two separate Native Title claims, one by the Wulli Wulli People and one by the Iman #1 People. In order for the project to proceed, a Cultural Heritage Management Plan was agreed to in January 2001. This agreement enabled cultural heritage clearance work to be carried out for both exploration activity and the mine development.
In order to obtain mining leases an Indigenous Land Use Agreement was negotiated with the Wulli Wulli People and the Iman #1 People and agreed to in November 2002. This agreement provides a range of benefits to both Aboriginal groups throughout the life of the mine.
A Liaison Committee, bringing together all parties involved, has been working to implement the benefits of this agreement. This Liaison Committee meets four times each year. Signatories to the agreement include the Wulli Wulli People and the Iman #1 People, the Gurang Land Council, Sedimentary Holdings and Newcrest Operations Limited.