The project is located in the Tennant Creek region. Image: Emmerson Resources.
BY ELIZABETH FABRI
PROJECT partners Emmerson Resources and mid-tier gold producer Evolution Mining will open the first Northern Territory gold mine in more than a decade, after final approval to begin production at the high grade Edna Beryl gold operation was received in June.
Emmerson’s strategy was aimed at monetising a pipeline of small high grade gold deposits within its Tennant Creek project as a low cost path to production; the company stated that it had identified 15 such mines within its tenements.
The first of these, Edna Beryl, will be operated under a tribute agreement with Edna Beryl Mining Company, an operator that specialises in small mines.
Emmerson Resources managing director Rob Bills said commencing production at Edna Beryl was a pivotal step for the company, which began exploration in the Tennant Creek Mineral Field in 2008.
The first 600 tonnes of development ore at the mine averaged 40 grams per tonne of gold.
“On behalf of the Emmerson board and our partner Evolution Mining Limited, we congratulate the Edna Beryl Mining Company for its expertise in developing this new generation of high value, small footprint style operations,” Mr Bills said.
“It not only provides a revenue stream but establishes a template for unlocking value in many of our other projects contained within our extensive 3000sqkm tenement package.
“We also congratulate the NT Government for their ongoing support and vision under the banner of Transforming the Territory; in particular their initiatives to revitalise Tennant Creek, which will undoubtedly provide benefits to all stakeholders.”
Northern Territory Primary Industry and Resources minister Ken Vowles said the Government was focused on developing Tennant Creek as the mining services hub of the Territory.
“The cyclical nature of the industry means that investing in mineral exploration now is vital to ensuring the discoveries that will become the mines of tomorrow are made,” Mr Vowles said.
“We are working hard to facilitate and attract investment into the region to help grow our industries and create jobs for Territorians.”
