Cowal Environment Impact Statement
Cowal Environmental Impact Statement
What is being proposed?
The Cowal Gold Operations (CGO) is located around 38km north-east of West Wyalong and sits within the Bland Shire Council local government area.
Evolution Mining is proposing a new underground mining development, in addition to the existing open cut mine.
The Environmental Impact Statement for the Cowal Gold Operation (CGO) new underground mining development is now on exhibition through the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE).
The EIS is here:
https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/project/21361
The Mod report is here:
https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/project/25011
This is an important milestone for the project and subject to internal and regulatory approval, construction for the underground mining development will commence in 2021, with operations starting in 2023. The project will extend the life of the current operations at CGO until 2040.
Local employment opportunities
Existing jobs for the open cut mine will be retained and it is estimated that around 200 full time equivalent jobs could be created at the peak of construction.
Once in operation, it is estimated that a further 160 jobs will be created, taking the operational workforce to approximately 660 full time jobs.
Where possible, CGO will upskill our existing workforce and recruit from or to the region, allowing us to continue to support the region for around the next 15+ years.
Accommodation needs
We are progressing plans to find an appropriate accommodation solution for the proposed increased workforce.
Our preferred long-term option is to conduct business as we currently do, with most of the workforce living in the local community. However, with the workforce skill mix required, increase in total workforce and available housing stocks this will not be possible in the short to medium term. CGO has identified that an accommodation village will be required to alleviate stresses on the local housing market, particularly during the initial construction period and mine production ramp up. CGO are in discussions with local accommodation providers to explore sustainable solutions for current requirements and some of the underground development needs.
To address impacts associated with the increased workforce, we have modelled a scenario in the EIS of maintaining an accommodation village in West Wyalong for the life of the operation.
We will consult with the community as we progress our accommodation strategy, to develop shared value outcomes whilst keeping the community fully informed.
View the planning proposals
We encourage you to find out more about the project and make a submission to DPIE via the NSW Major Projects Planning Portal, https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects
Find out more
We have a community engagement team available on 02 6975 3454 to respond to queries.
Further information is available on our Community Newsletter (click here to view or download).