Bowdens Silver

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To Whom it may concern, my name is Beth Ellis and I am writing to express my concerns in regards to the Bowdens Mine.
I have recently located to Mudgee. What attracted me to Mudgee, much like the many thousands who travel through here each year, is its quaint and sophisticated feel that offers a tranquil country side, fresh air, beautiful wineries and a vibrant yet quiet township. As a new member to the town and region, I want to make every attempt to make sure long-term sustainability is achieved, and thus generations to follow will be able to continue to visit as a tourist and or live and thrive in the area. My partner is a Mudgee born local. A Farmer on the Hayes Gap Road, I have witness the concerns and stress that has been put upon his family and surrounding farmers who will be impacted directly by the mine. While I acknowledge that the effects of this mine are detrimental in many facets, I have highlighted a few key concerns that are most upsetting to me.

Tourism
"Mudgee is one of the country’s great wine towns, where wineries set on rolling hills serve award-winning drops and epicurean fare. Set on the banks of the pretty Cudgegong River, the town still possesses all the character of its 19th century past. Mudgee offers something for every kind of country traveler" (https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/country-nsw/mudgee-area/mudgee)
Being located 3 1/2 hrs from Sydney, Mudgee makes for the ideal weekend destination and we are now seeing more Sydney siders buy property in the town and surrounding area to allow them to have a weekend stay and or work remotely through the week. The local economy thrives as a result. If the Bowdens mines was to proceed it is estimated, as per EIS that approximately one to three truck loads, generating two to six heavy vehicle movements Monday to Sunday - B Double Trucks would be used to transport the concentrate containers. Additional truck movements would also be generated by the delivery of equipment and consumables necessary for the operation of the project. The direct route for these trucks comes through the heart of town passing the school and many of the accommodation types, cafes, pubs etc. There is a direct danger here with children crossing roads. in addition the noise of trucks and dust (containing trace particles of led and other dangerous elements) has impact on residents and tourists. Is it worth compromising the tourism industry and the strength of the local community, when the mine is only active for 16 1/2 years? Its taken a lot of hard work and love to get Mudgee to where it is today. It would be devastating to see the potential impact of the mine and the loss of what Mudgee and its surrounding regions stands for today!!

Health
Considering Bowdens Mine, sits right on the edge of the township of Lue, there are particular health concerns for the community and the miners them selves.
Air quality is likely to be affected. Very fine mineral dust particles from blasting and drilling can accumulate in the lungs, causing a disease called pneumoconiosis. Pneumoconiosis can cause scarring of the lungs called fibrosis. There are also studies that show other health impacts due to dust particles. Dust from mine tailings could contain a number of substances that may pose a health hazard (e.g., lead, arsenic, cad- mium, zinc, selenium, mercury, manganese, boron, etc.). Lead can have an adverse health impact particularly to the nervous system of children and the unborn.
Mercury: A heavy metal present in about 25 organic mineral compounds found in mines (depending on the particular mine), Mecury can infiltrate into water table and be directly inhaled and absorbed through the skin. Even exposure to small quantities over time can lead to severe poisoning. Symptoms of mercury poisoning include weakness, mouth ulcers, bleeding gums and loose teeth, tremors, nausea, abdominal pain, headaches, diarrhea and cardiac weakness. With the process of open cut mine, it exposes rock that has remained unexposed for several geological eras. When these rocks are crushed, they will release radioactive elements and metallic dust that can pollute the area around it.
The proposed mine is to also include a Cyanide Plant - Cyanide is acutely toxic to humans, other mammals and aquatic species at relatively low dosages, as it interferes with oxygen, preventing the cells to uptake oxygen in which causes cells to die. Long term exposure to Cyanide can cause heart, brain and nerve damage.

Environmental Impact
It is only inevitable that the proposed mine will incur the removal of trees and land degradation causing a disturbance to the natural Flora and Fauna, which will take hundreds of years to regenerate. In addition the proposed pipeline, that will run along rural properties, exposes an impact to their properties. Not only will it de-value the land without any compensation but it also runs the risk of the pipeline leaking, lead dust and removal of trees and resurfacing the natural topography which will cause erosion and a disruption to the flora and fauna. Dropping water table by 25 M...… It is NOT sustainable.

The Silver Mines Limited have never made or operated a mine before and it is a disgrace that that they are only thinking about one thing $$$$$. The impact to habitat, our native flora and fauna, tourism, health, community, water, farmers and the land in general is disgusting. The Silver mines Limited only see short term gain and are not looking beyond to the long term pain. I'm a 5th generation Australian and proud of my Country. We all deserve to appreciated its beauty and cleanliness. It would be devastating to watch an incompetent and non empathetic group of people build a silver mine so they can get richer while the rest of the region and community suffer.